By Yvonne Sakala –
PARTS OF Lusaka have been hit by ticket shortage for Zambia’s opening game against Guinea in the CAF under-20 football tournament which has been triggered by some people buying in bulks and re-selling them at a higher price.
Meanwhile, the Zambia Police has warned of stern action to those buying the tickets in bulks for re-selling to unsuspecting members of the public at an exorbitant price.
A check by the Times at Shoprite Cairo Road and Matero in Lusaka, which are part of the designated official selling points, discovered huge crowds of people wanting to buy tickets for K10 and K20 which were not available.
But the black market just outside Shoprite was thriving with tickets selling for as much as K50 as Computicket was only left with VIP tickets going at K200.
In Matero, tickets were sold out by 10:00 hours.
Officials from Matero said the first batch consisting of 2,000 tickets were sold out completely and even after another 3,0000 were brought in, from Manda Hill outlets could not satisfy the fans thirst.
“Like here in Matero, soccer fans started coming here on Thursday but  the system was down, when the problem was rectified all the tickets were sold out in a short time, we went to get some more from Head Office (Manda Hill) and they also finished. We only remaining with the K200 ones for VIP,” the source said.
And fans talked to say the purchasing of the tickets from the Mall was going well.
At Manda Hill, the queues were manageable with a fan, Gerald Chomberegwa saying he does not want to miss any match now that the tickets are affordable.
“I have bought 10 tickets, I am looking forward to the start of the tournament so that we can support Zambia, I am confident the players will put up a good performance and qualify to the World Cup,” he said.
However at around 18:00hrs the tickets were sold out even at Manda Hill.
Meanwhile the Zambia Police says those causing a ticket shortage will be dealt with sternly.
Zambia Police Spokesperson Esther Katongo said the police had received reports that there were some people that were buying tickets in bulks and warned that they should refrain from doing so because that will bring them into conflict with the law.
“We would like to warn all those that are behind such activities to desist or risk being arrested and prosecuted under the competition and fair trading act.
“We therefore advise members of the public to buy their tickets from recommended outlets and avoid being swindled. Furthermore, buying tickets from the streets may expose them to counterfeit tickets,” Katongo said.
And Football Association of Zambia has appealed to fans to show exemplary behaviour and present the best image to both CAF and FIFA during the tournament.
FAZ communications manager Desmond Katongo said the association will not allow fans to go to the stadium donning political regalia but should be clad the Chipolopolo replica jerseys, and maintain peace and order during the show piece.
“It should be noted that this is a CAF event and everything around the tournament must be strictly in adherence of CAF/FIFA rules and Statutes,” said Katongo in a statement.