The Zambian Football Federation (FAZ) is facing a dispute with Tout Puissant Mazembe (TP Mazembe) over the availability of Nathan Sinkala, Rainford Kalaba, and Stoppila Sunzu for the national team’s match against Brazil on October 15. TP Mazembe contends that the players are currently dealing with injuries and has officially communicated this to FIFA.
TP Mazembe, in a statement on its official website, acknowledges receiving a letter from FIFA, urging compliance with regulations. However, the club emphasizes that, according to Article 1, paragraph 4d of the relevant regulations, players for friendly matches must be released to their federations 48 hours before the match. Consequently, the trio at the center of the controversy will not join the Zambian national team in China until Sunday at the latest.
Despite FIFA’s directive, TP Mazembe raises concerns about the health of Nathan Sinkala and Rainford Kalaba, both reportedly suffering from malaria, and Stoppila Sunzu, who is said to be dealing with a swollen knee. To substantiate their claims, the club welcomes a specialist doctor from the Zambia Football Federation.
The club also recalls a similar incident involving Rainford Kalaba in the past. Despite medical certificates sent to Zambian doctors, Kalaba was compelled to join the national team, only to be later declared unfit by Dr. Joseph Kabungo for specific matches in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
TP Mazembe expresses its dissatisfaction with what it perceives as a defiant attitude from the Zambian federation, highlighting the challenges and disputes that have arisen in the past concerning player releases. The club remains firm in its stance regarding the players’ fitness and availability, awaiting resolution and clarification from FIFA.
