Minister of Youth, Sports and Art Elvis Nkandu has warned that government will not tolerate acts of hooliganism during any local football matches.
Speaking as he inspected the ongoing reinstallation of stadium chairs vandalised at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola earlier this year, Nkandu, said while the government appreciates Nkana Football Club’s efforts to replace the damaged seats, fan violence must come to an end.
He has noted that the government remains committed to improving sports infrastructure across the country, stressing that destructive behaviour undermines national efforts to make stadiums safer and more modern.
In April this year, more than 300 seats were damaged at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium after a section of Nkana supporters rioted during the Copperbelt derby against Power Dynamos.
Nkana Football Club took responsibility and begun replacing the damaged seats.
The stadium will today host the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Zambia and Niger, set to kick off at 15h00.
By Lovemore Sondashi
