In a shocking turn of events, Zambia’s only CAF-certified stadium, the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, was vandalized by furious Nkana FC fans following a controversial penalty decision in the highly charged Kitwe Derby against Power Dynamos. The incident has sparked outrage among football authorities, stakeholders, and fans, raising concerns over hooliganism and stadium security in Zambian football.
The heated match between Nkana FC and Power Dynamos took a dramatic turn late in the game when the referee awarded a penalty to Power Dynamos after an alleged foul in the box. Nkana supporters vehemently disputed the decision, claiming it was unjust and cost their team a crucial result.
As tensions boiled over, a section of Nkana fans began hurling objects onto the pitch, disrupting play. After the final whistle, the situation escalated, with enraged supporters damaging stadium seats, breaking barriers, and smashing advertising boards. Security personnel struggled to contain the chaos as police were forced to intervene, firing tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Zambia’s only venue certified by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host high-profile international matches, suffered significant damage. The vandalism has raised fears over the country’s ability to host future continental games, including CAF Champions League and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga condemned the violence, stating, “Such acts of hooliganism have no place in football. We will work with law enforcement to identify and punish those responsible.”
Nkana FC, one of Zambia’s most decorated clubs, could face severe penalties, including fines, a points deduction, or even playing behind closed doors. CAF regulations are strict regarding stadium safety, and further incidents could jeopardize Zambia’s standing in African football.
While some fans defended the protests as passion for the game, others criticized the destruction, emphasizing that such behavior tarnishes Zambian football’s reputation. Many have called for stricter security measures and better conflict resolution systems to prevent future outbreaks of violence.
As investigations continue, Zambian football authorities must address fan behavior and stadium security to prevent a repeat of such incidents. With the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium’s status at stake, the fallout from this derby could have long-lasting implications for the country’s football landscape.
For now, the focus shifts to repairs, disciplinary actions, and restoring order—ensuring that Zambia’s premier football venue remains a safe and respected ground for the beautiful game.
Kalapa indo?
I thought this certified stadium was equipped with cameras for quick identification and prosecution of vandals?
“While some fans defended the protests as passion for the game…..”Ba Editor,sure!.Can one defend passion for vandalism or even theft?
Just fine the two clubs with the repair bill and move on. Add some extras to bring the stadium back to high standards. It’s due a refurbishment anyway. Let the clubs identify the hooligans themselves. That will teach them a lesson or two.
The disciplinary committee of FAZ must be having an emergency this morning without delay, my suggestions are the following
1. Nkana to be formally written to and asked why the Association must not take disciplinary action against its players, technical staff and fans as there were all involved, we saw on TV
2. Evaluation of vandalism to be done by today and cost of repair given to Nkana immediately
3. Players and technical staff involved in harassing the referreee to be banned till end of season with other penalties
4. Nkana to play the rest of the games without fans and unruly fans to be identified and handed over to Zambia Police for prosecution and to be banned from any stadium in Zambia for life, including heavy fine
5. There is no link between hooliganism and passion
I agree, very unsportsman behaviour by Nkana players, technical staff and fans which requires a very swift response. I am not a power supporter but I saw Nkana players refusing a clearly awarded penalty there by inciting their already indisciplined fans. This stone age club should be disbanded if need be. A very clear example should be instituted this week, this is not lyashi for next week please.
Mood of the Nation spill over ???
Now is the time for that severe punishment.
Though I belong to a division 1 club, we don’t want to see those ugly citizens witnessed at Levy Mwanawasa stadium yesterday. And since the evidence is overwhelming and all over against Nkana players, technical staff and fans, this requires a swift and decisive response.
Give them 48 hours to excuplate themselves(mere formality as evidence is abound), constitute a disciplinary committee immediately, ask the committee to furnish report in 1 week and mete out punishment, including life bans for them all
There are many clips identifying the vandals in the act circulating on social media…….
Identify the culprits and charge them…….
And charge their clubs…….
Although this is abhorrent……….
all footballing nations go though football hooliganism, seems ……..
To be a passage of rights……….
In advanced cases , the hooliganism has progressed from destruction of property to chanting offensive songs and throwing plastic bottles…….
In our case , we are still in a phase of destruction, it needs to be acted upon and stopped , or it will get out of hand
FWD2931
The only message Nkana can understand is an instant demotion to division 2. Let them play in that league to allow their fans start maturing, by the time they get to Super league, some civilisation would have been achieved by their fans. Please consider this proposal, it is submitted in very good faith