By SANDRA MWILA and SHAMAOMA MUSONDA –
. LWANDAMINA
THE Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has opted to stay mute over the contractual issues of Chipolopolo coach George Lwandamina who is wanted by his club Zesco United.
Zesco United said they are not comfortable with their coach also doubling at the national team especially that they were about to get into the continental games.
FAZ Communications Manager Nkweto Tembwe said FAZ will not respond to media reports on George Lwandamina’s contract issues.
“We don’t respond to media reports, when hiring Lwandamina we spoke to Zesco United and we shall deal with established channels again,” Tembwe said.
He said this when contacted for a comment from FAZ following Zesco recent report stating that they are not comfortable with Lwandamina doubling with the national team and Zesco and that he should make a decision.
And when Lwandamina was contacted he opted not to speak on matters surrounding his contract with the national team.
“I will not comment on this issue concerning contract now, I will remain mute for now but I’ll speak at an appropriate time,” Lwandamina said.
But in Kigali during the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament when asked about the two roles, Lwandamina said coaching the national team was a noble cause that he, like any other Zambian, can respond to when asked.
He said his daily job was at Zesco United but that there would be situations where one could be asked to assist with the national team and that as long as he was asked, he would be happy to assist at national level.
“I am employed by Zesco United and I remain their employee but I can be asked to coach the national team and coaching at the national team is a noble cause, a national call to duty,” Lwandamina said.
Zesco United this weekend starts her 2016 CAF Champions League campaign against El-Ghazal of South Sudan in the preliminary round at home and then travel to Juba for the crucial return game a fortnight later.
Zambia plays its 2017 Africa Cup qualifier against Congo Brazzaville on March 24 in Brazzaville and then plays its return match in Ndola on March 27.
But the second game against Congo Brazzaville is what may bring conflict as the first round of the CAF Champions League game is coming just a week after the Africa Cup qualifier.
