STOP BOYCOTTING MATCHES
…FAZ life member Peter Makembo urges Chipolopolo players
By Cecilia Nayame
FOOTBALL Association of Zambia (FAZ) life member Peter Makembo has advised Chipolopolo players against boycotting international matches.
And Makembo warned against incitement of players to boycott matches because the act is detrimental to the growth of football in the country.
Reacting to the recent boycott by Chipolopolo players, Makembo said such acts should not be entertained in football.
He said the players’ decision to boycott international friendly matches against Sudan and Tunisia was detrimental to the development of the sport in the country.
“What happened should not happen again. That’s not the way to air grievances,” Makembo said.
He said it was important for Chipolopolo players to embrace the FAZ executive led by Keith Mweemba for the development of the sport.
“If players are owed money, then I am sure they will be paid. That I am very much sure…what is not right is to put unnecessary pressure on the new executive because those arrears were left by the immediate past executive,” he said.
Makembo, who is also ZAVOSOFA patron, said it was important for players to put the interest of football first before anything.
He said football was the biggest sport in Zambia, hence, the need to embrace it by all well meaning Zambians.
“Stop boycotting games. If at all their any issues, the reason I am here as a life member. Confide in me always and I will be there to advice appropriately,” he said.
Makembo has also called for reconciliation between Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant and striker Fashion Sakala.
He said the issues raised by national team players could be as a result of unresolved issues between Grant and Sakala.
“Lets help Zambia regain its glory in the sport. Differences will not help the team in anyway. Both Grant and Fashion should reconcile for the betterment of the sport,” he said.
Makembo has also castigated people inciting players.
“Refrain from enticing violence…the football family needs healing and reconciliation. We are all the new executive needs for guidance and proper direction if the sport is to continue growing,” he said.
The Chipolopolo withdrew from participating in the FIFA international friendly matches against Sudan and Tunisia demanding their unpaid allowances.
The situation forced FAZ to cancel the matches.
Zambia was scheduled to play Sudan on June 6 and face Tunisia on June 10, 2025 in Morocco.
Grant wanted to use the two friendlies as preparation for CHAN, Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and World Cup qualifiers.
