Financially limping Roan United on Saturday failed to travel to Solwezi to fulfil their FAZ Division One North fixture against FQM Mining Operation that was scheduled for Sunday.
Roan is reported to be facing financial difficulties in the wake of reduced funding from sponsors China Luanshya Copper Mines necessitated by the club’s demotion from the Super Division last season.
The team broke camp on Saturday hours before they could leave for Solwezi.
Club chairperson Chisoni Miti said Roan requested FAZ to push their Week 23 match against FQM to Wednesday after failing to travel to Solwezi.
Without giving details, Miti said a logistical hitch led to the postponement of the match.
“We requested FAZ and our colleagues FQM that the game be postponed because of a logistical hitch in our camp,” he said.
“The hitch has been sorted out and now the game will be played on Wednesday,” Miti said.
Fourth placed Roan have 36 points from 22 matches played.
Meanwhile, Kalulushi Modern Stars have opened a one point lead at the top of the Division One North table despite Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Zesco-Solwezi.
Kalulushi, who have 46 points, took advantage of Lumwana Radiants’ 2-0 loss at Chambishi on Sunday.
Ahead of the weekend matches, Kalulushi and Lumwana were tied on 45 points apiece.
At Kachofa Stadium, Mufulira Blackpool beat Ndola United 2-1 to stay third on the table with 40 points after 23 games played.
Forward Laston Katuta scored a brace for Blackpool coached by Weston Mumba.
FAZ DIVISION ONE NORTH WEEK 23
Chambishi 2 – 0 Lumwana Radiants
Mufulira Blackpool 2 – 1 Ndola United
Gomes Wanderers 1 – 0 Kitwe United
Chindwin Sentries 1 – 1 Mining Rangers
Copperbelt Buffaloes 1 – 1 Kansanshi Modern Stars
Indeni 4 – 0 Real Nakonde
Zesco Luapula 2 – 0 Konkola Mine Police
Zesco Solwezi 1 – 1 Kalulushi Modern Stars
FQMO Mining Vs Roan United (to be played on Wednesday)
FAZ Division One South Week 23
City of Lusaka 3-2 Livingstone Pirates
Katete Rangers 0-0 Luena Buffaloes 0
Malaiti Rangers 0-1 Riflemen
Kafue Celtic 1-0 Lusaka Tigers
Prison Leopards 0-0 Kabwe Warriors
Nampundwe 0-1 Matero United
Mongu Academy 1-1 Mumbwa Medics
Kalomo Jetters 0-0 Zesco Shockers
Lusaka City Council 1-2 Paramilitary
It looks like only ZESCO is able to sponsor football clubs in Zed. Our football is being murdered!
Lumwana this is yo only Chance you`ve got , do`nt miss it.
Has ZESCO shifted to running football since they have failed in their core business of supplying electricity.
Football has become big business the world over & here we are still limping because of a few selfish individuals.
Instead of wholly owning them, these clubs can run on their own while ZESCO & other companies “sponsor” them by way of branding.