The Football Association of Zambia has confirmed that three members of its Senior Men’s National team delegation remain hospitalized in South Africa, following suspected food poisoning that struck the squad on Saturday.
Coach Moses Sichone, midfielder Miguel Chaiwa and video analyst Elias Chipota were admitted to St George Private Hospital in Port Elizabeth after their condition deteriorated with fever, diarrhea and vomiting.
Team doctor Wesley Ngongo has stayed behind to care for the hospitalized trio while the rest of the squad traveled to Angola via Johannesburg for Tuesday’s international friendly in Luanda.
FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande says the association is collaborating with the host association and local medical authorities to ensure proper treatment for those affected.
He has further noted that other team members who initially showed symptoms have improved significantly and are under observation.
The squad has been further weakened by multiple departures. Four Zesco United players, Kabaso Chongo, Gift Mphande, Pascal Phiri and David Simukonda, left to rejoin their club for a CAF Confederation Cup fixture against Egyptian side Zamalek.
Leicester City striker Patson Daka will miss the Angola match following a recall request from his English Premier League club, while Israel-based midfielder Kennedy Musonda returned home after his wife fell ill during his international duty.
The friendly against Angola forms part of the preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
By Canaan Siame
