Several fans have criticized the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) on social media over the rehabilitation works at the Solwezi Independence Stadium, which cost US$300,000.

Some feel that the work done is subpar and point out that not much has changed at the stadium in the capital of Northwestern Province.

After the David Kaunda stadium in Chipita, the Solwezi stadium is the second of five projects rehabilitated by FAZ under the FIFA Forward program.

In September, FAZ and FIFA officially handed over the refurbished David Kaunda (D.K) Stadium in Chipata, which received acclaim from multiple stakeholders.

Other stadiums that are pending rehabilitation under the FIFA Forward program include Kaole (Luapula province) and Kasama (Northern province).

An accommodation center in Lusaka is also among the ongoing projects under the program.

Meanwhile, FAZ has yet to respond to the concerns raised by the public over the rehabilitation works in Solwezi.

What has been said?

Chibulu Ba Muzo Musonda wrote, “WHAT KIND OF REHABILITATION WAS THIS AT THE SOLWEZI STADIUM? After being closed for TWO years, it reopens like this? Are we serious? Dug out ka mobile Kantemba mu Super Division after how many years of independence again? Are we serious with football or sports development? THIS IS PROPER TAKATAKA.”

Jackson Cool’s Zulu also said, “We are not a serious country. We joke too much with serious matters in this country.”

“This is very disappointing, to say the least. We can’t develop with such leaders; no wonder our football standards have really gone down. Let FAZ tell us how they used the money period, otherwise, someone has to be held accountable,” Emma Sumpa also shared his views.

Jim K. Makuya believes “FAZ should be questioned about this, both at the provincial and national levels, because there’s no difference.”