FAZ applauds HH: as Kamanga promises international camp for Chipolopolo ahead of Ivory Coast tie

By MICHAEL MIYOBA

THE Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has hailed FAZ patron, President Hakainde Hichilema for gracing the 2023 ABSA Cup final played on Saturday at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.

FAZ president Andrew Kamanga said the presence of President Hichilema at the ABSA cup final is a positive statement ahead of the June 17 AFCON qualifier in Ndola.

Kamanga also hailed the fans who filled Woodlands Stadium to capacity to watch the historical triumph of Forest Rangers who grabbed the K700, 000 ABSA Cup first prize after overcoming Muza FC 2-0.

“A big thank you to the fans who turned up enmasse during the ABSA Cup and we expect that we can carry the same energy to Ndola.

“We cannot thank ABSA Cup enough for their all-weather support to our game and outdid themselves in the 2023 edition. We congratulate Forest Rangers for winning the 2023 ABSA Cup and Muza for being a worthy silver runner-up,” Kamanga said.

On the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology during the ABSA Cup final, Kamanga said; “We believe this is an initiative that we must all support as it speaks to pure football development. We are grateful to CAF and FIFA for walking with us on this road and fully endorsing our project.”

Kamanga said FAZ would tap into the experience of retired FIFA referee Janny Sikazwe who was among the pioneering FIFA referees of VAR in 2018 when he officiated the FIFA Club World Cup final between Real Madrid and Kashima Antlers

The use of VAR technology was a first in the region and third in Africa.

Meanwhile, Kamanga said the Chipolopolo who are set to regroup in the next few days will have an international camp to prepare for the June 17 Ivory Coast 2023 (to be played in 2024) Africa Cup of Nations penultimate clash with the Ivorians in Ndola.

Kamanga said Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant and his technical bench have been quietly working in the background to ensure that the team is ready for the assignment.

“This time around, the camp may be longer with foreign-based players available after closing their seasons,” Kamanga said.

“Our engagements with government and all stakeholders ahead of this crunch tie are in full swing. We appeal to the fans to turn up in numbers at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola and give the Chipolopolo an extra push as they chase a return to the AFCON,” he said.