Mon, 28 Aug 2017 13:33:58 +0000
By Michael Miyoba
VODAFONE Zambia has expressed disappointment with the Football Association of Zambia’s (FAZ) decision to move the game between City of Lusaka F.C. and Nkana from Vodafone Stadium the latter’s home ground.
Last Friday, FAZ moved the week 25 league fixtures involving Zesco United versus Green Buffaloes and Nkana versus City of Lusaka to Nkoloma Stadium following a misunderstanding between City of Lusaka, MTN and the local soccer governing body.
The double header was expected to coincide with the official unveiling of the Vodafone Stadium, formerly Woodlands Stadium.
The decision to move yesterday’s games to Nkoloma Stadium has not been received well by Vodafone.
In a statement issued to Daily Nation Sports by Vodafone Corporate Communication officer Mukuka Mulenga, Vodafone Chief Executive Officer Lars Stock noted that despite being disappointed, he respected the decision by FAZ, and emphasised the need to adhere to its ruling.
Stock reaffirmed Vodafone’s commitment to continue sponsoring City of Lusaka.
“We are genuinely committed to the growth of Zambian football. It is exciting to see more corporates invest in the sport that unites us all,
“ This is more than a marketing exercise for us, it goes to the very core of our business – ensuring we make a meaningful impact in the communities in which we operate. Therefore, despite the decision, we will continue supporting City of Lusaka and reaffirm our commitment as the club’s official sponsor,” said Stork.
He however called on FAZ to provide a level playing field for Zambian businesses to participate in the game that unites people.
“My philosophy is quite simple. Competition is the critical driver of performance and innovation. It benefits consumers by enabling more choice from an array of quality products and services,
“Healthy competition also encourages our businesses to continuously improve the quality of services leading to a healthy growth of the total market.
“A pre-requisite for this to flourish however, is that organisations such as FAZ and any other relevant stakeholders for that matter provide a level playing field for Zambian businesses to participate in the game that unites us all,” said Stork
Meanwhile City of Lusaka has refuted reports suggesting that the club has been banned from using Vodafone Stadium for the rest of the season.
In a statement the club’s communications manager Alex Njovu said City has not been banned from using their home ground for the remaining league games.
He however confirmed that the ceremony that was scheduled to be held yesterday to rename the stadium has been pushed to a later date.
