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Nonde’s sentiments on Maureen anger some women

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Scores of women today staged a protest in Lusaka over Federation of Free Trade Unions of Zambia (FFTUZ) president, Joyce Nonde’s remarks over the former First Lady, Maureen Mwanawasa’s rejection of a house that the government offered to rent for her.

The visibly angry women expressed their displeasure over Nonde’s sentiments that the former First Lady should not reject the house because government was only following the law.

The women added that it was too early to criticize the former First Lady, noting that she was still mourning her husband’s death.

Mrs Edith Mataka Nkoma, who was representing the women, noted that Ms Nonde should stop frustrating the former First Lady and her family as they were still in grief.

Ms Nkoma, who is also a widow, noted that death is something that is painful, hence there is need for Ms Nonde to respect Mrs Mwanawasa, saying that if she had any problem with Maureen, she could have approached her instead of attacking her through the papers which she said was sending a bad picture to the children.

Ms Nkoma noted that Mrs Mwananwasa is a Zambian and has the right to express herself, as her children were brought up in a different environment and she needs to keep her children in a better environment.

She further urged all Zambians to look back and reflect on Mrs Mwanawasa as still the mother for the nation, hence the need to respect her as she did not choose for her husband to die.

And Ms Carolyn Chanda urged Ms Nonde to mind her own business and not to criticize Mrs Mwanawasa in the papers.

Ms Chanda noted that Ms Nonde is also a married woman and she will also face some challenges in a home.

The women’s protest follows a comment that was made by Ms Nonde in today’s The Post News papers, saying that the former First Lady should not reject a house that government offered to rent for her in Roma township because government was following the law.

ZANIS/ENDS/AH/EB

PF cadres demand allowance at verification meeting in Kasama

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The verification of last week’s presidential by election results in Kasama was yesterday almost disrupted after some Patriotic Front (PF) cadres demanded to be paid allowances before witnessing the exercise.

The PF cadres claimed that the verification of ballot papers was a government exercise and as such they were entitled to receive lunch allowances.

The irate cadres also asked the election officials to give a detail explanation of what was involved in the verification of election results as most of them expressed ignorance on the exercise.

Some PF cadres claimed that the exercise should also involve re-counting of the ballot papers.

But responding to the queries, Kasama District Electoral Officer, Joseph Sampa, dismissed the PF demands for allowances to be paid to them for witnessing the verification of election results.

Mr. Sampa explained that the verification of presidential results was a voluntary exercise that did not require political stakeholders to be paid money.

He also clarified that the verification of the election results did not mean re-counting of ballot papers as that can only be done after a Court Order.

Mr. Sampa later convinced the PF members to continue with the exercise of verifying the results, saying the exercise was in the best interest of all political parties that took part in last Thursday’s presidential poll.

As at yesterday, only the ruling MMD and the PF had representation at the verification of presidential results while the UPND and the Heritage Party did not send representatives.

But a check today by ZANIS found all parties and some election observers busy witnessing the verification of election results, which is one of the post-election activities being conducted by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) countrywide.

And in Kitwe, Various political parties today turned up for the voter verification exercise in the just-ended Presidential by elections at the Civic Centre.

Among the notable parties present were the Patriotic Front (PF), United Party for National Development UPND), Heritage Party (HP) and the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD).

Kitwe Town Clerk, Ali Simwinga, said the exercise went on peacefully and there were no incidences recorded.

The exercise has given credibility to the just-ended elections.

He said all the political parties have signed the verification forms and are satisfied with the outcome of the election.

ZANIS/ENDS/LK/EB.

Eastern Province in bumper harvest

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GOVERNMENT has said the performance of the agricultural sector in Eastern Province during the 2007/08 farming season has been very good compared to other regions.

Cooperatives and Marketing Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Bernard Namachila, said during the 2007/08 farming season, the province produced 267, 596 metric tonnes of maize.

Mr. Namachila also said 21, 621 tonnes of sunflower and 20,014 tonnes of groundnuts were produced during the same period in the province respectively.

He was speaking when he officiated at the launch of the National Fertilizer Support Programme (NFSP) held at Crystal Springs hotel in Chipata yesterday.

Mr. Namachila attributed the bumper harvest to the good agricultural policy introduced by government coupled with timely distribution of inputs, good rainfall and hard work by farmers.

“I am proud to say that Eastern Province has recorded a bumper harvest in a number of crops like maize, groundnuts and sunflower to name but a few,” he said.

The Permanet Secretary said the province also produced 4, 277 tons of soyabeans, 60,512 tonnes of cotton and 169 tons of tobacco.

Mr. Namachila congratulated the farmers in the province and staff from the department of agriculture for working hard, adding that the production of the crops was not a mean achievement.

He called on them to continue working hard because government regarded Eastern Province as an important agricultural production region which contributed significantly to the national food basket.

The PS noted that all the logistics for the inputs distribution exercise under FSP were in place not only in Eastern Province but countrywide.

“I expect farmers to start collecting inputs soon after this workshop in all the districts. To my officers, your role is to implement the programme according to the laid down regulations and you should avoid unnecessary problems for yourselves and government,’’ he said.

ZANIS/ENDS/SM/EB

Zambia slashes Visa Fees by over 50%

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Government has with immediate effect reduced the Visa Fees from US$150 to US$50 for single entry while double entry has been scaled down from US$340 to US$80 for all foreign tourists.

Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources Minister Michael Kaingu announced in Lusaka today that daily entry visa fees have been pegged at US$20 from US$50 respectively

Speaking during a media breakfast meeting in Lusaka today, Mr. Kaingu explained that the move is aimed at attracting more tourists into the country.

He noted that the hiking of the visa fees had disadvantaged Zambia’s tourism sector as some tourists opted to visit countries in the region charging lower Visa Fees.

Mr. Kaingu has since disclosed that government will soon issue a revised Visa Statutory Instrument.

Speaking earlier, Zambia Tourism Board (ZTB) Chairman Errol Hickey disclosed that the number of tourists entering Zambia has increased from 400,000 last year to over 800,000 this year.

Mr. Hickey attributed the increase of tourists to the ‘Buy Zambia Tourism Campaign’ initiated by the late republican President Dr. Levy Mwanawasa.

ZANIS/KC/AM/ENDS

Clergyman censures unruly political cadres

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A Lusaka-based clergyman has strongly condemned the hailing of insults at former President, Frederick Chiluba and physical attack on his press aide, Emmanuel Mwamba by suspected opposition Patriotic Front cadres at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross yesterday.

Bishop Bwanali Phiri of World Baptist Evangelistic Association said the incidence showed lack of respect for leaders.

He further said the use of violence and vulgar language could be a recipe of political skirmishes in the country.

Bishop Phiri said it was embarrassing that some leaders of political parties were failing to discipline their cadres, who stir up calm situations and engage into violence.

He lamented that women were being used to insult and disrespect people by some political leaders.

He explained that people that were in authority or once held respected offices should be given the respect they deserve at all times.

Bishop Bwanali said leaders should guide their cadres especially that the campaigns were over not.

He said political leaders should espouse Christian values and principles so that there was peace in the country even after elections.

He has since called on the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), Christian Council of Zambia (CCZ) and the Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) to consider holding a reconciliation meeting with all political party leaders in the country.

Yesterday, suspected PF cadres reportedly scorned Dr. Chiluba and used unpalatable language on him during the funeral service of the late former Prime Minister, Elijah Mudenda at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

ZANIS/KSH/AM/ENDS

Hunger stricken Zimbabweans scrounge for food in Zambia

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Severe hunger is forcing Zimbabweans to cross Lake Kariba into Zambia in search food in the Namafulo, Mweeba and Kanchindu areas in Chief area in Sinazongwe District.

A local businessman Dodo Sindaza said most of the Zimbabweans are old men, women, and youths.

Mr. Sindaza said the situation was bad because the Zimbabweans were selling chickens at K3, 000 each, to enable them  buy a bag of mealie-meal. He said the hunger-striken Zimbabweans do not know much about the Zambian currency and end up selling their commodities below the market value.

One Zimbabwean Tolo Munkombwe said the hunger situation in Zimbabwe was unbearable as there was completely no food in that country. Mr. Munkombwe said all the shops were closed because there was no food in them and people have no money with which to buy commodities.

He said schools in Binga town have been closed and teachers have run away due to food shortage.Mr. Munkombwe who is from Siamwenya Village in Binga Town said people have resorted to batter system because the Zimbabwean currency has lost value.

“If you want to jump on a bus to go to any town from Binga, drivers are demanding to be paid a bag of mealie-meal which is difficult to come accross,” Mr. Munkombwe said.

Extend olive branch to defectors, MMD NEC urged

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The MMD in Kafue has called on the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to extend an olive branch to members who defected to other political parties as differences always arise during elections.

MMD Constituency information and Publicity secretary Isaac Mulenga told ZANIS in Kafue Thursday that it will be unhealthy for the ruling party to demonize members who defected to the opposition but should instead work on reconciling with such members.

He said as the party prepares itself for the 2011 elections, there is need to refocus on what the part will offer to the public and members so that its popularity is regained.

Mr. Mulenga said whilst the action by some members were regrettable, it was time the MMD scrutinized who genuine members are and those who just want to gain from it.

He said members should realize that the party can only become stronger and popular if they remain patriotic and united.

And Mr. Mulenga has appealed to president Rupiah Banda to ensure that he fulfils all the promises he made during the campaign to the people of Kafue.

He said the party will remain strong if promises made are fulfilled as the electorate will have confidence in its leadership.

Mr. Mulenga also said it was important the party revisits issues the opposition was promising the electorate in urban areas and those places the opposition won so that the party can do something about them.

He said the MMD should not take for granted the rural stronghold support it has if nothing is done tangible in the next three years as the opposition will also penetrate them.

ZANIS/BS/ENDS/MM

Food prices continue to rise in Kasama

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Food Prices are on the rise in Kasama despite the Zambian Kwacha recording a significant appreciation against other convertible currencies such as the United States Dollar.

A survey conducted by ZANIS in most shopping outlets and markets in the District showed food prices on the increase.

At National Milling Depot, a 25KG bag of breakfast mealie-meal is selling at K62, 000 from K58, 000 while a similar bag of roller meal is pegged at K53, 000 from K48, 000 respectively.

In the same shop, a 25 KG bag of white flour is selling at K124, 000 while a similar bag of brown flour is being sold at K112, 000.

At Shoprite Checkers Kasama Branch, the price of a 25kg bag of Breakfast mealie-meal is pegged at K57, 980 while a similar bag of roller meal is selling at K44, 980.

And at Chikumanino market, a 25 kg bag of breakfast mealie-meal is selling at K65, 000 while a similar bag of roller meal is pegged at K56, 000.

The price of cooking oil has also shoot-up with a 5litre container selling at between

K50, 000 and K60, 000 from about K45, 000 while a 2.5 litres container is being sold at K28, 000.

As for a 2kg packet of white spoon sugar the price is between K8, 500 and K10, 000 while a 1KG packet is selling at between K4, 200 and K4, 500 respectively.

And some traders talked to by ZANIS attributed sharp increase in food prices to a number of factors, which include the high cost of transportation as well as the recent depreciation of the Kwacha against major world currencies.

However, the Kwacha has since gain strength and is now trading at about K3, 800 to one United States Dollar, as compared to its price of K4, 600 prior to the country’s presidential election last week.

Meanwhile, Kasama residents have appealed to the Government to quickly intervene in the sharp rise in prices of foodstuffs on the local market so that the cost of living could be affordable to majority of Zambians especially those in rural areas.
ZANIS/WS/ENDS/KSM/MM

Zambia happy with NEPAD plan

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Government says the proposed programmes under the Zambia NEPAD Action Plan (ZNAP) would help the nation’s existing potential in all sub-sectors of the economy.

Foreign Affairs Director of Development Cooperation and International Organizations Anne Mtamboh says the identified projects under various programmes have a high potential to generate accelerated and sustained levels of economic growth.

Mrs. Mtamboh said this at the on going Zambia stakeholder consultative meetings with the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) in Lusaka, Thursday.

She said the levels of economic growth are expected over a period of time provided appropriate, sufficient and effective investment is made.

Mrs. Mtamboh disclosed that the the projects currently included in the ZNAP document include the Zambia -Angola Rail and Road Link, New oil refinery established, strategic fuel reserve establishment, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) promotion.

Others are pineapple and cassava commercialization, low cost irrigation promotion, food fortification, education for all, control of communicable diseases, setting up of E-schools, government and commerce promotion.

She however said that no single project under the ZNAP has been launched as yet adding that a fully fledged secretariat has also not been established yet.

And NEPAD Lead Person for Capacity Development Initiative and Country Processes Florence Nazare described Zambia’s steps towards the initiatives as progressive.

She said NEPAD will continue forging for new partnerships aimed at changing unequal relations between Africa and the developed world.

The New Economic Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) was adopted at the 37th summit of the then Organisation Africa Unity (OAU) in Lusaka in 2001.

ZANIS/CM/ENDS/MM

Severe hunger cause children to abandon school

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An undisclosed number of children in Namoonza area of chief Singani’s area in Choma dsitrict are said to have stopped going to school due to severe hunger ravaging the area.

This came to light yesterday when officials from a Germany non government organisation known as Kindernothilfe addressed children’s groups in the area. groups were formed by the Choma Children Development Project with a specific purpose of encouraging minors to participate in development and voice out issues affecting their rights.

On Monday this week, Choma district commissioner Laiven Apuleni attributed to delay in government distributing relief food to the just ended election campaigns and said the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit would soon deliver 300 metric tons of relief maize to the district.

But during the meeting, most children openly complained that they were too weak to walk to school while most of them said it was not possible for them to attend class on empty stomachs.

The children lamented the told Jorg Lichtenberg, the Kindernothilfe team leader for Zambia, Ethiopia and Malawi that their parents were no longer able to provide for them as the food situation in the area had gone out of hand.

The children also said they could not attend lesson in the rain season because streams become flooded. The children further bemoaned their failure to access clean and safe drinking water..

And Choma Children Development Project Coordinator, Cornwell Hademu, explained that the project will provide relevant information to enable the parents of the affected children engage relevant government institutions to attend to issues raised. Mr Hademu said the project does not give hand outs but builds capacity by promoting the concept of Self help.

Kindernothilfe is an international NGO championing the rights of children and in Zambia it is funding 15 organizations involved in the fight for children’s rights, among them child labour.

The Germany based NGO has since advocated for the establishment of an individual complaints procedure both for children and adolescents. The envisaged procedure is a monitoring instrument of the United Nations to secure respect for human rights.

ENDS/CM/PK/ZANIS.

Govt warns against abuse of subsidised Fertiliser

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THE Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MACO) has warned of blacklisting beneficiaries of the Fertilizer Support Programme (FSP) who will be found selling agricultural inputs they will get under the programme.

Cooperative and Marketing Permanent Secretary, Bernard Namachila, sounded the warning during the launch of the 2008/09 National Fertilizer Support Programme (NFSP) held at Crystal Spring hotel in Chipata today.

Mr. Nakachinda said there were some malpractices happening in the programme where some beneficiaries sold the inputs instead of using them in their fields.

He said in some cases, cooperatives had been used by some businesspersons to procure the inputs meant for small holder farmers for re-selling.

“Let me reiterate my warning that individuals found wanting shall be visited by the law and such farmers shall be blacklisted together with members of their households who will never access the facility. Genuine farmers and not traders should be the only ones to benefit,” Mr. Namachila charged.

He implored District Agricultural Committees ( DACs) in the country to be on the look out for people involved in malpractices. The Permanent Secretary also said under the Fertilizer Support Programme, a household is supposed to benefit only for two seasons after which it is weaned so that other households could benefit.

Mr. Namachila said the beneficiaries to this programme must be small scale farmers belonging to a registered cooperative or farmer group who must also have capacity to grow one to five hectares of maize.

He said the beneficiaries should be able to raise the 25 percent of the cost of the inputs which is K 50,000-00 and must not concurrently benefit from the Food Security Park under Preventive Against Malnutrition ( PAM )

Mr. Namachila also directed the department of agriculture to disqualify cooperatives and farmer groups that were only re-activated during the time of acquiring inputs.

And Kasama District has received a total of 32,000 by 50kg bags of subsidized fertilizer under the Fertilizer Support Programme (FSP) for this year’s agricultural season.

District Commissioner Lieutenant Colonel Steven Chanda confirmed the development to ZANIS in Kasama , Thursday.

Col. Chanda said out of the total fertilizers received by the District, 16, 000 by 50 KG bag is Urea while another 16, 000 by 50kg bags is D-compound.

He revealed that the distribution of the inputs would start next week.

Col. Chanda has since urged farmers to make sure that they procure the subsidized inputs through their cooperatives to avoid compromising their yields.

The DC also advised civil servants intending to access the same fertilizer to liaise with the District Agriculture Coordinator, so that they too could benefit from the subsidized inputs.

Recently, Government announced a drastic reduction in the price of fertilizer under the Fertilizer Support Programme from K200, 000 per 50 KG bag to K50, 000 per 50 KG bag.

The move is aimed at empowering vulnerable but viable farmers to access the agriculture inputs in order for them to boost production and in turn enhance the country’s food security.

ZANIS/WS/ENDS/KSM/MM

Zambia Squad for Morocco Friendly(Updated 2)

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Herve Renard on Wednesday unveiled his 18-man squad to face Morocco in an international friendly away on November 19 in Rabat.

The major highlight ahead of the Morocco game will be the  expected return to the fold of midfielder Clifford Mulenga from Bidvest Wits in South Africa after a 5 month absence.

Missing from the team yet again is defender Billy Mwanza of Power Dynamos while striker Roger Kola has been left out as he is currently attending trials in Norway.

However, long-serving defender Elijah Tana is in the team including junior international Fwayo Tembo of Tunisian club Etoile du Sahel are in the team.

Meanwhile, Zesco United forward Jonas Sakuwaha has been included in Zambia’s CHAN qualifiers squad that regroups in Kitwe on Monday for week 2 of training camp ahead of their2nd round, 1st leg away game against Angola at the monthend.

Goalkeepers: Kalililo Kakonje (Amazulu, South Africa), Kennedy Mweene (Free State Stars, South Africa)

Defenders: Kampamba Chintu (Amazulu, South Africa),, Hichani Himoonde (Lusaka Dynamos),Joseph Musonda (Lamonville Golden Arrows, South Africa),  Davies Nkausu (SuperSport United, South Africa), Elijah Tana (Nchanga Rangers)

Midfielders: Isaac Chansa (Helsingborg, Sweden),Noah Chivuta (SuperSport United, South Africa), Kebby Hachipuka (Green Eagles), Rainford Kalaba (Gil Vincente, Portugal), Clifford Mulenga (Bidvest Wits, South Africa)

Forwards: James Chamanga (Dalian Haichang,China),Christopher Katongo (Arminia Bielefeld, Germany), Collins  Mbesuma (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Emmanuel Mayuka (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel),Jacob Mulenga(Chateauroux, France), Fwayo Tembo (Etoile du Sahel, Tunisia)

Sata is free to reject and petition results -RB

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President Rupiah Banda says people aggrieved about the outcome of the October 30 presidential election are free to petition.

Mr. Banda says according to Zambian laws any candidate who is not happy with election results is free to petition.

The President said Patriotic Front-PF- leader, Michael Sata, is free to reject and petition the results.

Mr. Banda was speaking to Journalist shortly after getting an official portrait at Zambia News and Information Service-ZANIS- in Lusaka on Wednesday.

And President Banda said he is not aware that former President, Frederick Chiluba, helped his campaign in the just ended presidential election.

President Banda said he just read in the newspapers that Dr. Chiluba had gone round campaigning for him.

He however thanked Zambians for voting for him in Thursday’s presidential election.
[ZNBC]

ECZ indefinitely suspends the verification after cadres fight

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Cadres from opposition Patriotic Front (PF) and the ruling MMD Thursday morning clashed in a free for all punch-up at Lusaka’s Nakatindi Hall where verification of presidential ballots was due to take place.

According to eye witnesses, a number of polling assistants were also caught up in the physical tussle between the PF and MMD cadres.

The fracas prompted Lusaka Returning Officer, Timothy Hakuyu to indefinitely suspend the verification of presidential ballot papers.

Mr. Hakuyu who is also Lusaka Town Clerk confirmed that a number of polling assistants were slapped by some unidentified cadres during the fight.

But MMD Lusaka District Chairman, Paul Chihande alleged that his cadre William Matalauze was slapped by PF leader Michael Sata during the confusion.

However, PF Spokesperson Given Lubinda denied allegations linking Mr. Sata to the fracas.

Mr. Lubinda however confirmed having witnessed the exchange of blows between PF and MMD cadres.

Earlier, some polling assistants who were waiting to be paid their dues refused to leave Nakatindi Hall, demanding that they be paid their dues.

The polling assistants only lef the place after the Returning officer assured them that their monies will be paid later in the day.

And Lusaka Police Commanding Officer Greenwell N’guni told ZNBC news that he sent police re-enforcements after Mr. Hakuyu alerted him on phone.

Mr. N’GUNI said Inspector General of Police Ephraim Mateyo will issue a comprehensive statement later in the day.

[ZNBC]

Zamsure: Tamanga on Empty

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Zamsure have just three games left to save their status in the Faz league.

The fallen and once great “Tamanga” Zamsure currently lie bottom of the third and last tier of the league in Faz division 2 midlands table just two seasons after their demotion from division 1 south in 2006.

Zamsure’s fall comes 11 years after they peaked to finish as league runner-up in 1999 and won the Mosi Cup, fueled by their lethal ex-striker Joel Kabemba, and two years earlier were number two in successive BP Top 8 finals.

Furthermore, it has been 8 years since Zamsure last played in Africa rubbing shoulders there with legendary Canon Yaoundé while on the brink of a quarterfinal place in the defunct Caf Cup Winners Cup before the latter ejected them 5-1 on aggregate.

Zamsure have been in free-fall since their demotion from the Premier League in 2002 together with Mufulira Wanderers but unlike the Shinde side, they failed to bounce back or even make a strong case for promotion.

With no sponsorship after the withdrawal of the local giant insurance company that bankrolled them from inception, Zamsure were cast out alone into the sea drifting further away and into very choppy waters with every coming season.

Zamsure currently rely on handouts from a loyal pool of employees from the same insurance company who also voluntary manage the club and the team is also a beneficiary of donations from private individuals who have followed Tamanga’s plight over the last 8 years.

This season, Zamsure has won 5 out of their 27 games played so far drawing 6 and losing 16 matches on 21 points heading into the final straight that will decide their Faz league destiny.

Zamsure’s battle for survival is very precarious with 15th placed Chirundu United above them on 24 points tied on the same figure with Irwin Rangers and Kafue United who are in 13th and 12th position respectively.

The magic number for Zamsure is 27 and that is how many points 5th from bottom TP Rangers in 12th spot are on from their 27 matches played so far and whose goal difference is 25-34 to Tamanga’s 26-50.

Meanwhile, Zamsure’s last 3 games will see them face 8th placed Sable Bulls away, before hosting 10th positioned Afritex.

Zamsure wrap-up their survival fight with a 2 minute walk across the road from their Zamsure sports complex home-ground to BP sports complex to face 9th placed K-Stars who beat them 2-0 in the first leg earlier this season.

Should Zamsure be demoted to the amateur ranks, an uncertain future awaits them in the abyss and where lies the difficult prospect of bouncing back after 3 decades in the high life.

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