Grandstand: Zanaco’s Unnecessary Indulgence

Zanaco have decided to take the old preverbal route well-travelled by Zambian clubs in Caf club competitions and decided to shun their recent Super Division commitments.

Wedson Nyirenda’s side has decided to skip their second successive Super Division game in five days under the pretext of avoiding injuries ahead of their Caf Confederations Cup engagement away in Nigeria next weekend.

Zanaco have failed to now play three Super Division games since beating Enyimba of Nigeria 4-0 at Sunset stadium in their Confederations Cup, first leg match in Lusaka on July 17.

It is understandable that Zanaco could not travel to Ndola to face Zesco United 24 hours after facing Enyimba to play a scheduled Week 16 match but their failure to play Kabwe Warriors last Wednesday defies logic.

Eight teams that were in action last Sunday and whose Midlands games where rescheduled from Saturday to the following day were all back in action on Wednesday with no excuses notably Green Buffaloes, National Assembly, Forest Rangers, Lusaka Dynamos, Roan United, City of Lusaka and Red Arrows.

Even Nkana, who are going through a rough patch firstly losing 3-0 on Sunday away to Red Arrows before travelling back that same evening to Kitwe where they drew 1-1 at home three days later against Nchanga Rangers, had no excuse not to play their Week 17 midweek fixture.

However, not Zanaco, who have decided not to play National Assembly away at Woodlands stadium this Sunday leaving them with little match practice despite taking a handsome lead away against Enyimba next weekend in a game they need just a draw to qualify to the group stages of the Confederations Cup.

Moreover, Zanaco could have played one of their last two league games before departure as they enjoyed the luxury of playing both Super Division matches within Lusaka over the last five days.

Faz should clamp down on such unnecessary indulgence because old habits like this are bad for fair play and the spirit of competition.