Napsa Stars FC have become the third Zambian club to place its coach Mohamed Fathi on an administrative leave this season.

Not only that. Napsa have gone a step further to send the bulk of its Secretariat staff on leave, a statement from the team, dated May 24 2021, reads.

“Members of the Secretariat placed on leave include the Technical Director Mr. Honor Janza, Logistics Manager Mr. Gift Chaipa and Club Administrator Mr. Daniel Chiboleka.

“The development comes after a string of poor performance by the team which has brought serious concerns to the sponsors, the Board, fans and other stakeholders,” the statement from media and public relations officer Gwen Chipasula reads.

Two months is too long a time in the fast moving world of football.

Napsa were, not too long ago, singing praises for the Egyptian coach after guiding the club to the CAF Confederation Cup group stages for the first time ever.

Now, in the domestic leave, Napsa are slightly above the relegation zone, placed on position 15 with 36 points from 28 games.

Kitwe anchor the 18-member log table which Zesco United lead on 58 points from 28 games.

Sending coaches on administrative leave is becoming fashionable in Zambia.

In the last few months, coaches for Nkana FC and Power Dynamos have also been sent home in a similar manner, usually never to return to their jobs.