ZESCO United Football Club Team Ya Ziko
Several months have passed since the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) barred fans from accessing stadia across the country following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The absence of fans in the stadia has taken away the euphoria that characterizes the Zambian game on any given day.
It has also had a huge bearing on many clubs’ financial footing whose revenue streams are through gate-takings.
Last week, Zambian fans were greeted with arguably the best news of the 2021/22 MTN Super League season.
The country’s local football governing body lifted the suspension of fans from stadia beginning with week six fixtures.
This move has left several fans including MTN defending league champions supporters grinning from ear or ear.
ZESCO United Football Club Supporters Club Chairman, Ernest Phiri has commended Government and the FAZ for according fans the green light to watch Super League matches.
“Firstly, I wish to thank Government through the Ministry of Health and the FAZ for this wonderful gesture shown to football fans across the country. The return of the 12th man in the stadia will have significant effects on the league. Playing football matches in empty stadia had a huge negative bearing on the success of the teams who could no longer enjoy the home ground advantage,” he said.
Phiri has also appealed to fans across the country to follow COVID-19 preventive measures during all the games.
“This gesture shown to us doesn’t mean COVID-19 has ended. Therefore, it very crucial that we continue to follow health protocols every time we are going to watch the games. It is also crucial for us to be at our best behavior and avoid vices that can be detrimental to our lives such as hooliganism during games.”
Meanwhile ZESCO United fans across the country have expressed happiness with the move taken by FAZ to allow fans back in the stadia.
Reacting on the Club’s official Facebook page, several fans are looking forward to watching their first league games.
ZESCO United fan Kabungo Nkunkulusha said: “It feels good to be back, and let’s not forget about the golden rules.”
James Nyirenda feels the return of fans will motivate the players: “I am excited. I’m sure even the players will up their game.”
While Chilungu Kaunda was happy at the prospects of entering Levy Mwanawasa stadium freely.
ZESCO United’s first game in front of supporters will be a rescheduled midweek fixture against Kabwe Warriors to be staged at the Godfrey Ucar Chitalu stadium in Kabwe on Wednesday next week.
The nine-times Zambian Super League champions will then face Nkana Football Club at Nkana stadium in a week seven fixture to be played on Saturday, October 16, 2021.
Author: Desmond Katongo
