Zambian football giants Nkana FC may have to play their continental club engagements away from home after their stadium failed to meet the CAF standards for the group stage – Football Association of Zambia FAZ aspiring presidential candidate Blackwell Siwale has said.
The simmering confusing news is almost wrecking the spirits one of Zambia’s passionate fans as the development borders on having the boys from Wusakile having to play their CAF Confederation matches away from Nkana stadium.
And one of those matches is a potentially mouth-watering and rare moment of facing fellow representatives in Zesco United. Certainly the fans will cherish meeting Zega Zega at their home ground.
The man breaking the news is no other than FAZ aspiring Presidential candidate in Blackwell Siwale. The veteran administrator was adamant speaking to Bwezani, that fans who are upset about the comments he made in relation to CAF not sanctioning the use of Nkana Stadium in the group stages, should instead do some research on the matter. Rather than rushing to crucifying him.
But the authorities at Nkana FC in the Form of the Club CEO, Mr. Charles Chakatazya, was brief in his reaction.
“I have not received any thing to that effect” said Chakatazya.
Other sources within the Kalampa circles did indicate that CAF inspection team was in Kitwe and recommended to the club on key areas that need attention to meet the CAF group stages criteria.
It’s important to note that CAF is rather ruthless on licensing Stadiums for group stages matches. Case in point is regional neighbors champions in Zimbabwe, FC Platinum. They played all qualifying matches at their home ground, Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane.
But when they qualified to the group stages of the Champions League, their ground was deemed not to have met the group stages criteria and therefore made to play their matches in Bulawayo, the second biggest City in Zimbabwe.
Considering that scenario it will not be new if Nkana was forced to relocate.
Four stadiums maybe available for Nkana to use, should the certification fail. Heroes, Levy Mwanawasa, Nkoloma and the across town Arthur Davis stadium have received certification and licensing to host CAF group matches.
But again all is not cast in stone as the club has until 26th to sort the grey areas to meet the standards.
All the best to Nkana.
