The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has called off the planned friendly international against South Africa in Lusaka on Saturday in protest of the ongoing xenophobic attacks and violence in the country.

Nigerians and other foreign nationals have had their stores raided and also found themselves on the receiving end of physical abuse over the last couple of weeks in the Rainbow Nation.

Five people (probably Nigerians) have been killed in riots across Gauteng, and the clashes have caused a diplomatic incident between South Africa, Nigeria and other African countries whose citizens are being put in harm’s way.

The move from FAZ to cancel the fixture in protest is a good one and this is likely the first time a sporting event involving South Africa has been called off for political reasons since apartheid.

The association said in a statement:

The Football Association of Zambia regrets to inform members of the public that the international friendly match between Zambia and South Africa that was scheduled for National Heroes Stadium on Saturday, 7 September 2019 has been called off in view of the prevailing security concerns in South Africa.

FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala has relayed the message to the South African Football Association (SAFA) about the decision.

Read more: https://www.queensmail.com/2019/09/xenophobic-zambia-cancel-friendly-with.html

Source: [url]QUEENSMAIL.COM[/url]