SOME CHIPOLOPOLO PLAYERS ARE PRIORITISING ALLOWANCES, BOYCOTTING MATCHES – Nkandu

01.12.2025 | Football DNA

Elvis Nkandu Speaking during the ongoing National Football Indaba in Lusaka

The Zambian government has raised alarm over what it terms an “insatiable appetite for allowances” among some Chipolopolo players—an attitude it says is contributing to the national team’s declining performance.

Speaking during the ongoing National Football Indaba in Lusaka, Minister of Sport, Youth and Arts Elvis Nkandu expressed concern over the growing tendency by certain national team players to focus on payments before performance.

Nkandu stressed that commitment and patriotism must come first when a player is called for national duty, warning that prioritising allowances is undermining team morale and the overall reputation of Zambian football.

The Minister further disclosed that on two separate occasions, players boycotted matches just two hours before kick-off, insisting on receiving their payments before stepping onto the pitch.

On both occasions, the Chipolopolo went on to lose—an outcome he described as worrying for the future of the national team.

Nkandu has since urged the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to take a firmer stance, including sidelining players who incite others or foster negative energy within the squad. He noted that such behaviour not only disrupts team unity but also harms the country’s football image.

Meanwhile, the Minister cautioned FAZ against creating rules that alienate stakeholders from the game. He emphasized that banning officials or administrators should be used only as a last resort, after all conflict-resolution avenues have been exhausted.

At the same event, FIFA Regional Lead Development Officer David Fani applauded the Zambian Government for hosting the National Football Indaba, reaffirming FIFA’s commitment to supporting the growth and development of football in Zambia.

The Indaba has drawn wide participation from football administrators and Chipolopolo legends, including Kalusha Bwalya, Kenneth “Bubble” Malitoli, Emmanuel Munaile, Wedson Nyirenda, and others.

Credit: Mukwima Chilala - Millennium Radio 90.5 FM