The Chipolopolo of Zambia were to face the
Bafana Bafana of South Africa in a friendly match on Saturday, September 7, but
the match has been called off by Zambia's football association. The Football
Association of Zambia in a statement on Tuesday evening announced, “The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) regrets
to inform members of the public that the international friendly match between
Zambia and South Africa that was scheduled for National Heroes Stadium on
Saturday, 7 September 2019 has been called off in view of the prevailing
security concerns in South Africa.
"FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala has
relayed the message to the South African Football Association (SAFA) about the
decision."
FAZ General Secretary, Adrian Kashala, said Zambia
would now play Namibia in a friendly on Monday.
South African Football Association (SAFA)
Communications Manager Dominic Chimhavi acknowledged receipt of the memo from
FAZ, saying, “We have just received correspondence from FAZ to say that
they cannot undertake this match with the ongoing violence in South Africa,
including the targeting of their own people."
This is likely the first time a sporting event
involving South Africa has been called off for political reasons since
apartheid. SAFA is now looking for a replacement for the called off friendly.
South Africa experienced its worst episode of
xenophobia in 2008, when more than 60 people died.
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