MICHAEL MIYOBA writes
@SunZambian
ZAMBIAN professional footballers plying their football in South Africa should reconsider going back to their clubs until the xenophobia crisis is over, says Zambia Sports Fans Association (ZSFA) patron Peter Makembo.
Makembo said the players’ safety could not be guaranteed during the xenophobic attacks which had seen foreigners losing their lives and property in South Africa.
Speaking in an interview in Lusaka, Makembo said it was unfortunate that two Zambians had been hacked and injured during the xenophobic attacks which had now started to spread to other countries.
He has called on FAZ to ensure that all players with South African clubs did not to go back to South Africa until the situation normalized.
Orlando Pirates duo of Justin Shonga and Augustine Mulenga were among the Chipolopolo players who played their club football in South Africa.
Others include,Black Leopards duo of Mwape Musonda and Donashano Malama and under-23 star Gampani Lungu who features for SuperSport United.
Meanwhile Makembo has hailed FAZ for cancelling the much anticipated friendly match against South Africa.
The match which was scheduled for the National Heroes Stadium this Saturday has been rescheduled following an outcry from the public for FAZ to cancel the game following xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Makembo said FAZ refusal to play South Africa has shown how brave the association was towards the xenophobic fight.
“I wish to commend FAZ for cancelling the game against South Africa, this is one way of showing that we are not happy with the way South Africans are treating their fellow Africans,
“Kudos to FAZ for doing the right thing. This has sent a strong warning to South Africa and it has shown that we cannot be taken for granted,” Makembo said.
With FAZ having cancelled the South Africa friendly, Zambia will now play Namibia on September 9 in Windhoek for the Chipolopolo not to miss out on playing competitive football during the FIFA international break.
