We are not stranded – FAZ

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has dismissed media reports suggesting that Miller Ground in Lilayi is not suited for the national football team’s training sessions.

FAZ Communications Manager Nkweto Tembwe clarified the matter to fazfootball.com by stating that shifting training sessions from Independence Stadium to Miller Ground had nothing to do with the football governing body owing money to any institutions.

Tembwe stated that using Miller Ground was part of a workout program designed by the technical bench for players during the off-season.

“The coach took the team to Miller Ground on Tuesday morning for a specific purpose. The game of football is very demanding and players who are returning from off-season need conditioning and that can only be done better on a pitch with natural grass,” Tembwe said.

“In the afternoon the team went back to train on artificial turf at Independence Stadium because the playing surface at Huye Stadium where Zambia will be playing is artificial.

“The technical bench believes that natural grass is the  best surface for players to develop endurance while avoiding unnecessary injuries associated with lack of fitness.

“We are not stranded as FAZ but Miller Ground was the only one available with green grass since all other pitches in Lusaka are under maintenance during the off-season.”