THE level of bickering in the beleaguered Zambia Boxing Federation (ZBF) is disquieting to say the least.
Firstly, thanks to Government for chipping in and ensuring sanity is restored although the current situation is the complete opposite of the word.
Well, the fact that nominations were extended and everyone interested was given a chance to be part of the electoral process was the wisest thing done.
However, it seems there is much more than meets the eye.
I have been keenly following the happenings, how the vocal the Midlands Amateur Boxing Association (MABA) has been at the centre of pushing things to ensure there is a complete overhaul at national level when elections are held next weekend.
MABA may have a point but whether they are right or not, I feel there is need to ensure that the constitution is not breached.
Incumbent ZBF president Thomas Chileshe who has been accused of corruption and being the centre of controversy should take a chill pill and allow the process to democratically go ahead.
Justice always prevails and if at all Chileshe is clean, he will surely be vindicated, and in the meantime, the man should take a back seat rather than issuing threats to challengers.
Mr Chileshe sir, launching a scathing attack against your challenger will not win you votes. If the Zambia Army colonel, Jack Mbewe, has no capacity to lead the federation, let him fail on his own or rather let the electorate decide.
I know campaigns are getting hot but let them be issue-based and not on personal attacks.
Talking about campaigns, our dearest Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has only three weeks left before it holds elections.
Being one of the highly contested elections in the history of Zambian football, candidates should take it easy and dwell on issues not personalities.
Incumbent president Kalusha Bwalya is being challenged by Andrew Kamanga and Henschel Chitembeya, good competition right there but the interesting position is that of vice presidency.
The race for the second-in-command is quite hot and seems to be heating up every day.
Five candidates are up for one position and these include incumbent Boniface Mwamelo, Pivoty Simwanza, Richard Kazala and Kephas Katongo. Well, I can only wish all candidates the best of luck and may the best man win.
As for treasurer and committee member positions, I await ratification because I feel there will be a lot of casualties but hope my colleague Alex Basopo Kazimiro Njovu pulls through!
It is interesting though to see 45 candidates vying for six positions which is outrageous but again that’s the beauty of democracy.
Wishing Zesco United all the best this afternoon in Juba as they take on Al Ghazala Wau in the CAF Champions League duties, catch me on eliaschipepo@gmail.com or elias.chipepo@times.co.zm and on twitter @eliaschipepo.