ARAKAN BARRACKS PITCH DEPLORABLE

AUDREY MWAPE writes

SOCCER fans have expressed concern over the deplorable state of Arakan Barracks pitch in Lusaka which is reported to have no proper sitting arrangements.

The fans who spoke to Sun Sports on condition of anonymity during the match between City of Lusaka and Riffle Men said, they were forced to use make-shift seats while watching games.

“We are forced to sit on make-shift seats, ranging from empty paint containers to tree logs while others ended up sitting on the ground,” said one of the fans.

They said apart from that the ground had two unmaintained shelters which were reserved for senior Army officers only.

“The players are forced to change from cars or in the open, when the pitch is just next to a female housing complex, where there is some kind of decency” said another fan.

In the match, Riffle Men emerged winners after they whacked a hapless City of Lusaka 2-0.

But when asked for a comment, Zambia Army spokesperson Luswepo Sinyinza said that the pitch was intended for training purposes only for Green Buffalos and Riffle Men, and not for official matches.

Sinyinza said that it was unfortunate though, that the structure was in a bad state but that the administration planned to put up a proper infrastructure to accommodate players, officials and soccer fans.

In an interview Sinyinza however requested the parties concerned to exercise patience as works were in the pipeline to better the facility.

He further said the plans to improve the pitch was not only limited to it but would be extended to other sports facilities within the barracks.

ENDS