KABWE TO HOST ABSA CUP SEMIS
…As the bank prioritises safety of players and fans following Levy Mwanawasa Stadium vandalism
By Cecilia Nayame
KABWE’S Railway Stadium will host the much anticipated Absa Cup semi-final double header matches this Saturday.
Initially, the semi-finals between champions Red Arrows and Power Dynamos and Zesco United versus Nkana were set for Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola but have been moved to Kabwe following the unprecedented barbaric scenes which occurred during the Week 32 Super Division match between Nkana FC and Power Dynamos last Sunday.
Absa Bank Zambia head-marketing and corporate affairs Mato Shimabale said in a statement in Lusaka yesterday that the games had been moved for safety purposes.
He said the company prioritised security as a way of safeguarding the sport.
“Absa Bank Zambia, in collaboration with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) wishes to inform the public that the venue for the highly anticipated Absa Cup semi-finals, originally scheduled for Saturday, 26 April at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola has been changed,” Shimabale said.
He said the change of venue was specifically meant to protect fans, players and all football stakeholders during the crucial encounters.
“Following the incidence that occurred during the recent Zambia Premier League fixture involving Nkana Football Club and Power Dynamos, both of whom are also semi-finalists in the Absa Cup, a decision has been made to move the semi-final double header to Railway Stadium in Kabwe as a precautionary measure,” he said.
Shimabale said the bank is committed to supporting football while upholding the highest standards of safety and event management.
“This move is intended to ensure the safety of fans, players and all stakeholders and allow the matches to proceed without undue disruptions.
“At Absa, we are committed to supporting football in Zambia while upholding the highest standards of safety and event management,” Shimabale said.
He assured the public of total protection during the matches.
“We would like to assure the public that all necessary measures will be taken to guarantee adequate security and safeguard both infrastructure and supporters,” he said.
He urged supporters to purchase tickets in advance as no tickets woud be sold at the venue.
“We sincerely regret any inconvenience this venue change may cause and appreciate the continued support of football community and the general public.
The games will be live on DStv and GOtv platforms.
On Saturday, Nkana fans vandalised Levy Mwanawasa Stadium when they ripped off chairs in protest over a late penalty awarded to Power Dynamos.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
