Xenophobia, like an epidemic, is beginning to creep into every facet of our lives. It ranges from the economy, entertainment, government and now sports.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has cancelled the international friendly match against South Africa on Saturday.
In an interview with Metro FM/Radio 2000, FAZ President, Andrew Kamanga, confirmed that the match was called off due to xenophobic attacks ongoing in South Africa.
The president of @FAZFootball Andrew Kamanga has confirmed here on #MSW with @robertmarawa that they have decided to cancel their friendly match that was scheduled for Saturday against @BafanaBafana due to xenophobic attacks taking place currently in South Africa. pic.twitter.com/aGKnNYZGGs
— Marawa Sport Worldwide (@MarawaSportShow) September 3, 2019
The South African squad was scheduled to leave for Zambia on Thursday, in what would have been Molefi Ntseki’s first match being in charge of the senior national team.
Molefi Ntseki was on Saturday, announced as head coach of Bafana Bafana following Safa’s NEC meeting which took place in Johannesburg.
He took over from Stuart Baxter, who resigned as head coach of Bafana Bafana after two years in charge.
According to a statement released by FAZ, the match between Zambia and Bafana has been rescheduled to the next Fifa break.
FAZ went on to confirm that they will be playing Namibia on September 9 in Windhoek.
On the other hand, Safa has confirmed receiving communication from FAZ on their decision to cancel the international friendly.
Safa revealed talks with one Cosafa country which they say has shown interest in playing Bafana Bafana.
This would have been the 13th meeting between Zambia and South Africa across all competitions since 2006.
A South African columnist says poor economic outlook is the cause of xenophobia in South Africa.
Zambia and South Africa have a rich footballing history with both meeting 12 times across all competitions. Zambia won six of those while SA won 5 and 1 ended in a draw.
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