Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Keith Mweemba has called on clubs to give players, coaches and football officials adequate time to prepare and participate in Thursday’s general elections.
Mweemba said preparations for the new football season and the transitional league should not prevent members of the football family from exercising their constitutional right and fundamental duty to vote.
“Football is important, but our players and officials are citizens first. Their football responsibilities should not become an obstacle to their civic responsibilities as they have a constitutional fundamental right and duty to participate in the country’s democratic process,” Mweemba said.
The FAZ chief urged clubs to plan their training sessions and other football related activities around the election day.
“Football can resume immediately after the ballot, but every citizen must have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process,” Mr Mweemba emphasised.
Mweemba has also called on the football family to participate in the elections in a peaceful, respectful and democratic manner and then return to football and football related activities later.