The government, through the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Arts, has condemned the acts of violence by Nkana fans during Sunday’s Kitwe derby, which resulted in damage to bucket seats at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium
The chaos at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium erupted after the referee awarded a late penalty to Power Dynamos, who converted the spot-kick through Brian Kasanyinga to cancel Jacob Ngulebe’s opener in stoppage time to level the match at 1-1.
More than 500 seats were damaged at the stadium, according to a preliminary report by the stadium management revealed by Sports minister Elvis Nkandu who has condemned Nkana fans for “causing” the damage.
“The damage that Nkana supporters have caused was uncalled for,” the minister said on Monday morning in Ndola. “First and foremost, the ugly scenes that we have witnessed. I’m also a witness of what really obtained here. Even when you have a grievance, you cannot get to an extent where you start damaging your own property.
“Our preliminary investigation is telling us that more than more than 500 have been uprooted.”
“This behaviour will be heavily punished”— Kamanga
On the other hand, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) through its president Andrew Kamanga said the hooliganism will definitely attract a heavy punishment.
“With the game being the most popular and biggest advert of our league, there could not have been a worse portrayal of our football,” Kamanga said.
“We are barely hanging on to one FIFA approved stadium and cannot afford such levels of barbarism. While it is too early to provide a conclusive picture of what measures will be taken, I can definitely confirm that this behaviour will be heavily punished.”
Meanwhile, Nkana FC has apologized and offered to replace the damaged seats while condemning the vandals.
“While we may not agree with the referee’s decision, we respect the game and the spirit of sportsmanship. We deeply regret the actions of some individuals that led to the damage of property,” Joseph Silwamba, the club’s president said in a statement issued on Monday.
“As a club, we stand for integrity and respect, and we are committed to making amends. We would like to offer our sincere apologies to the stadium management and will take steps to replace the damaged seats,” Silwamba added.
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