NKANA FANS’ HOOLIGANISM SPARKS OUTRAGE

NKANA FANS’ HOOLIGANISM SPARKS OUTRAGE

…as FAZ president Andrew Kamanga warns of stern action against perpetrators

By Cecilia Nayame

FOOTBALL Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga has warned of stern action against perpetrators of hooliganism during a Week 32 Super Division League match between hosts Nkana and Power Dynamos.

And Nkana Football Club has condemned the barbaric behavior of its fans, stating that the ugly misconduct portrayed at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium does not reflect the values of the club.

The Kitwe derby, which attracted a hundred of fans was last Sunday characterised with some ugly scenes where some Nkana fans ripped off chairs in protest of a penalty awarded to Power Dynamos by referee Hillary Hambaba during a league fixture at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Confusion ensued when Power Dynamos equalised in the dying minutes of the game through a penalty to level the score line 1-1 against the home team.

The situation infuriated the fans who later resorted to reaping off chairs and throwing them on the pitch.

But Kamanga has warned that culprits will not walk free as scenes from the match will attract heavy sanctions.

“Let the spirit of Easter reinvigorate our game…scenes from Levy [Levy Mwanawasa Stadium] will attract heavy sanction,” Kamanga said in his Weekly Column dubbed “the Presidents Corner” posted on the FAZ Facebook page yesterday.

He said it was unfortunate that fans resorted to reaping off chairs instead of following the right procedure of airing their grievances.

“While it is too early to provide a conclusive picture of what measures will be taken, I can definitely confirm that this behaviour will be heavily punished,” he said.

Kamanga said the association would not allow such conduct, urging the football family to desist from such nasty activities.

“Sadly, some ugly scenes happened at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola where some hooligans masquerading as fans ripped off seats in protest of a penalty given to Power Dynamos against Nkana,” he said.

Kamanga said it was unfortunate that Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, which was the only approved FIFA stadium in Zambia was vandalised.

“With the game being the most popular and biggest advert of our league, there could not have been a worse portrayal of our football…we are barely hanging on to one FIFA approved stadium and cannot afford such levels of barbarism,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nkana president Joseph Silwamba said in as much as the club executive acknowledged the passion of their fans, they condemned strongly the action taken to damage seats in the stadium.

He said the club deeply regretted the incidence and would do everything to bring culprits to book.

“While the team celebrated taking the lead in the 64th minute, an alleged controversial penalty awarded in extra time caused significant unrest among players and supporters…while we may not agree with the referee’s decision, we respect the game and the spirit of sportsmanship,” he added.

Silwamba said as a club, they stood for integrity and respect for the rule of the game.

“As a club, we stand for integrity and respect. We are also committed to making amends and for that we would like to offer our sincere apologies to the stadium management, we will take steps to replace the damaged seats,” he said.

He has affirmed the club’s dedication to fostering a positive and respectful atmosphere for fans.

He said the club would soon implement measures to prevent similar incidences from happening in future.

“We appreciate the unwavering support of the loyal fan base and we encourage everyone to channel their enthusiasm constructively,” he said.

The match ended 1-1.