Zambia's Copperbelt Football Pitches Ignite Political Fury as Fans Defy Call for Unity

Political disturbances have become a contentious issue at sporting venues in Zambia's Copperbelt province, drawing strong condemnation from the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) leadership.

The Copperbelt UPND Chairman, Hon. Elisha Matambo has issued a stern warning against individuals exploiting football matches for political rallies, characterized by chanting political slogans and flashing political symbols.

He explicitly stated that such behavior, termed as "hooliganism dressed in political colours," will not be tolerated at Nkana Stadium, Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, or any other sporting venue within the province.

Matambo emphasized that stadiums are designated for the football-loving public and genuine supporters, including families and children, to enjoy the game and support national teams.

He highlighted that the Zambia women’s team, scheduled to play soon, deserves the nation's united support, not a platform for political provocation.

He placed individuals organizing, financing, or encouraging such conduct "on notice," asserting that the Copperbelt UPND will not permit a repeat of these incidents.

In response, the UPND Chairman called upon the Zambia Police Service, Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), stadium management, and all relevant security wings to identify and firmly deal with those responsible for disrupting public order.

He stressed that where laws have been broken, offenders must face the full consequences, underscoring the government's authority and mandate to maintain peace at public events, using necessary force within legal bounds to stop such disturbances.

Matambo has warned that, "Those who choose to test that resolve will find that the law is not a suggestion."

Furthermore, he urged that every UPND member and supporter across the Copperbelt to act as the "eyes and ears" of the province.

He instructed them to identify, record, and immediately report anyone chanting political slogans, flashing political symbols, or stirring up trouble at sporting events to the police and venue security, ensuring action is taken against every person involved.

The call for depoliticization of sports extends to all Zambians. Matambo appealed to attendees of upcoming matches, including Tuesday’s game, to come purely as football fans to cheer for the team, leaving all political regalia, slogans, and provocations at home.

He cautioned that anyone attempting to disrupt a game does so at their own risk.

This firm stance follows an incident where Power Dynamos fans were heard chanting "Pe Lempi," a slogan associated with opposition leaders Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, during their 1-0 victory over Nchanga Rangers at Arthur Davies Stadium.

Some of these fans has declared that the Copperbelt a "no-go area for the UPND" and indicated their intention to use football as a platform to push an anti-UPND narrative and advocate for the release of their leaders.

This defiance occurred despite a reported government ban on political slogans during football matches across the country, as noted by Mulenga Mwenya on Facebook.

The broader message from the UPND leadership is that Zambia has moved past the election period.

The nation has given President Hakainde Hichilema a clear mandate to focus on development initiatives such as building infrastructure, creating jobs, and growing the economy through the "Grow Zambia" agenda.

Matambo implored citizens to allow the President to develop the nation without distractions, provocations, or the invasion of politics into playing fields.

He concluded with a powerful plea for unity, stating, "It is not our time to tear each other down. Those who cannot contribute to that work should at least stay out of the way of those who can. We are One Zambia, One Nation. Respect the game. Respect the stadium. Respect the country. This is your final warning."