Buildcon F.C. did not show up for their week 29 match against Kansanshi Dynamos at Lumwana Stadium on Sunday, and as a result, the host were awarded three points after the match was declared a walkover.
Sources close to the club revealed to BolaNews that Buildcon players are protesting over nonpayment of salary arrears.
READ MORE: Buildcon players demand salaries, Kansanshi explains ‘boycotted’ Super League week 29 clash
Buildcon has also allegedly not paid the players their winning bonuses for their rare 1-0 victory over Lumwana Radiants on 19 February 2023.
“The players boycotted the game against Kansanshi Dynamos due none payments of salaries,” the source said told BolaNews on Sunday.
Team Kopala is already relegated from the Super League. They placed at the bottom of the League standings with just 10 points.
Buildcon officials in limbo
BolaNews contacted the club to learn more about what happened and whether or not the club will be able to fulfill its remaining fixtures.
When asked if he was preparing the team for the upcoming match against Kabwe Warriors this Saturday, head coach Nchimuenya Mweetwa said that he was currently ill and was only just recovering.
“For now I can’t comment on the happenings at the club, and that’s for now,” he said. “I have been unwell of late….. I am just recovering so I haven’t been with the team…. But you can kindly get in touch with the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) mr Chewe.”
However, Moses Chewe, the CEO, declined to comment, stating that he would only do so after meeting with other club members.
“I can’t comment for now, I will only comment after meeting other members of the club,” he said.
It now remains unclear if Buildcon will be able to fulfill their week 30 fixture against Kabwe Warriors.
It is reported that some players have still not reported for training as their protest continues.
Buildcon is solely owned by businessman Moses Mubanga and sponsored by Buildcon Construction.
After winning the National Division One League in 2016, the club was promoted to the top flight in 2017. They were the first team in Zambia’s league to have more than 25 foreign players on their books.
The Ndola-based side now awaits a verdict from the Football Association of Zambia for not fulfilling their week 29 Super League game. Should the players boycott this weekend’s game again, the punishment may be huge.
