The Football Association of Zambia has confirmed that head coach Moses Sichone remained hospitalised in Gqeberha as the national team continued their travels on Sunday.
Sichone was forced to miss Chipolopolo’s 3–1 loss to South Africa at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium after he and two members of his backroom staff were taken ill with suspected food poisoning ahead of the match.
While the squad departed for Angola to honour a friendly fixture against the host nation, the coach, midfielder Miguel Chaiwa and video analyst Elias Chipota were left behind to receive medical care.
In a statement, FAZ revealed that the trio had been admitted to St George’s Private Hospital in Port Elizabeth.
“Following the reported incidences of suspected food poisoning by some members of the Zambia Men’s National Team on Saturday in South Africa, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) wishes to confirm that coach Moses Sichone, midfielder Miguel Chaiwa and video analyst Elias Chipota have been admitted to St George Private Hospital in Port Elizabeth.”
General Secretary Machacha Shepande said the association was working closely with South African football officials and local doctors to ensure they receive the best possible treatment.
He added that some team members who had shown earlier symptoms were recovering well and continued to be monitored.
“FAZ is working closely with its host Association and the local medical authorities to ensure that the affected receive the best possible medical attention.
“We are also happy that some of the cases reported in the team earlier have significantly improved with the affected parties being monitored.”
Sichone, Chaiwa and Chipota were reportedly admitted after their condition deteriorated, with the illness said to have been compounded by fever, diarrhoea and vomiting.
