The vacant slot created by the demotion of Buildcon Football club to lower league football will be filled by a play-off, according to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).

Livingstone Pirates will meet Chipata United, who just missed promotion during the national play-offs this coming Saturday.

However, Chipata United head coach Esau Chalo tells BolaNews that official communication from FAZ came at short notice.

“This is short notice, these people [FAZ] were quiet as if they didn’t know what was happening. I only knew about it yesterday (Tuesday),” Chalo said.

The head coach says despite the short notice, he said the team is ready to for a contest against Livingstone Pirates.

He also questioned the necessity of his team facing Livingstone Pirates in a playoff game.

Chalo continued, “We were not anticipating this. In the past, teams like Nakambala, Livingstone Pirates, Trident, and Nakambala, were promoted by virtue of been best losers,”

“We will go by the new rules set by FAZ. We are not intimidated, and we are ready for the match.”

Chalo dares Livingstone Pirates.

He said the match is important for Eastern Province and called for support from all stakeholders in the province.

Chalo said that Livingstone Pirates have been gaining slots on a silver platter but Chipata United will ensure they deny the Council sponsored side the chance to win promotion.

READ ALSO: Buildcon Football Club handed ‘technical’ demotion

“They [Pirates] were relegated last season and I’m disappointed that they have been given a chance, why are people promoting failure?” he wondered.