‘Forget FAZ job’
THE Zambia Football Fans Association (ZAFFA) has urged football icon Kalusha Bwalya to forget about contesting the FAZ presidency after the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) terminated his appeal to challenge the association for allegedly denying him the chance to stand as president during its elections which were scheduled for March 28.
On Tuesday, the CAS terminated Bwalya’s appeal after he failed to pay FAZ’s share of the arbitration cost which was pegged at CHF11, 000 Swiss Franc equivalent to K210, 447.
Bwalya informed CAS, through his lawyers that he wouldn’t pay the respondents’ share because his request for suspension of proceedings was not granted, a move which compelled CAS to terminate the appeal.
The development has cheered ZAFFA who have urged the 1988 African footballer of the year to forget about contesting the FAZ elections to promote peace within the association.
ZAFFA general secretary, Katwizi Chawezi said the development from the CAS will bring an end to the wrangles at FAZ for the growth of the Zambian game.
Chawezi said there was need for Bwalya to protect his image as a football icon who can contribute to the development of the Zambian game in deferent ways.
“It is a welcome move for us because the whole process has been derailing the progress of football in the country.
“Instead of us focusing on developing football, FAZ and other stakeholders who are supposed to help in developing football are fighting each other so for me, terminating that case is a very welcome move and as football fans we support it,” Chawezi said.
“My advice to Bwalya is just to forget about everything that has happened and focus on the future of Zambian football. There are a lot of ways he can assist Zambian football apart from just being FAZ president,” he said.
Chawezi said, as an icon, Kalu should consider challenging for the CAF presidency which has been dominated by individuals from north and West African countries.
He said with his knowledge Kalu would help redeem Zambian football as a consultant or a mentor of local coaches because of his vast knowledge on football.
“Just being a former football star, one of the best footballers we have ever had playing in the highest leagues in the world, there is a lot of value he can add to the growth of the game in Zambia technically to the teams and administrations as well
“He should know that the Zambians love him and believe he can still contribute to the growth of the local game despite not being a FAZ president,” Chawezi said.