The Barclays Cup quarterfinal doubleheader at Woodlands Stadium set for this Saturday came close to not happening after landlords City of Lusaka denied teams and TV crews access to the designated match venue today.
According to sources familiar with the development on Friday, City officials say they were not officially notified that the doubleheader was going to be played at Woodlands.
“It was a case of an outsider telling you they was going to be holding a party at your home when you were out of town without your permission,” a City source said.
According to sources, Woodlands was set to host a religious gathering this weekend that was paid for by the group before Faz had booked the venue to host the Barclays Cup quarterfinal.
The SuperSport Satellite TV crew who will be filming the Woodlands games live were said to be stranded outside the stadium by 09:00 this morning after being denied entry to the premises.
Also affected by the lockout were Zesco United who will face Nakambala Leopards in 12:00 kickoff and they had to cancel their planned morning training after entry was denied.
Quick action by tournament sponsors Barclays Bank Zambia and City official’s by lunchtime saved the scene from turning into a fiasco after a compromise was reach after finding an alternative venue for the religious group to host its function this weekend.
Meanwhile, in the other Barclays Cup quarterfinal matches taking place on Saturday, defending champions Power Dynamos will play Nkwazi in the 14:00 match at the same venue.
And at Arthur Davies stadium in Kitwe, Zanaco clash with Green Buffaloes at 13:00 while Nchanga Rangers take on Lime Hotspurs in the second Barclays Cup quarterfinal doubleheader.
