Zambian ex- FA member warns hooliganism may affect game against Nigeria

• ZAFCA demands national coach

The political upheaval across Zambia could lead to FIFA banning the country if it spread to football, a former member of the country’s football association (FAZ) has warned.

Keagan Chipango, who condemned the recent attack on Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president, Andrew Kamanga, by political thugs at a church in Lusaka yesterday, said it was unfortunate that the violent elements in politics were even spreading to football administrators.

“This has to be sorted [out]. Police need to arrest the perpetrators of this because if political hooliganism spreads to football, the country risks being banned by FIFA,” warned Chipango.

Zambia will host Nigeria in Ndola on October 9 in a Russia 2016 World Cup qualifier. Algeria and Cameroun will also meet the Chipolopolo in the series between November and September next year.

Meanwhile, the Zambia Football Coaches Association has warned that Chipolopolo should not go into the 2018 World Cup qualifiers with a caretaker coach.

FAZ are yet to recruit a coach with less than a month before Chipolopolo’s first World Cup qualifier against Nigeria.

ZAFCA interim president, Dan Kabwe, said FAZ needed to recruit a coach before the qualifying round of matches begin.

“One thing that is clear is that FAZ want an expatriate coach but we have heard that the government is not ready. But whichever way, FAZ must recruit a coach before the World Cup qualifiers, we can’t go to the World Cup with a caretaker coach,” said Kabwe, adding that if FAZ wanted interim coach George Lwandamina to continue, they should address his contractual issues.

FAZ general secretary, Ponga Liwewe, said the recruitment of the coach was awaiting the government’s approval.

FAZ have settled for South African coach, Gordon Igesund, to lead Chipolopolo in the World Cup qualifiers.