Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Keith Mweemba has assured Chipolopolo players that their outstanding allowances will be settled before Monday’s crucial Group E World Cup qualifier against Morocco.

Mweemba, accompanied by his deputy Mutale Ng’andu, visited the national team camp in Ndola where he addressed players and technical staff on a range of issues. This is according to a statement issued by FAZ media on Sunday.

“We have come here to meet you and ensure that we address some of your concerns. The idea is to make sure that by the time you walk onto the field on Monday you will have clearer heads with no worries,” Mweemba said.

He acknowledged that players were still owed allowances from previous games but stressed that FAZ had engaged various stakeholders to resolve the debt situation.

“We know that you are owed money from previous games, but our duty is to ensure that we own up because that is leadership. We have made great strides in liquidating various debts,” he added.

Reports of player unrest over unpaid allowances had recently unsettled the camp, with speculation of possible boycotts.

Mweemba, however, urged the team to maintain patriotism and focus on national duty.

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“It is very important that you also do your part as we also do these things for you. I urge you to be patriotic; you have to play for the badge. You don’t get rich by playing for the national team because your full-time job is at the club,” he said.

Despite Morocco already securing the automatic qualification spot in Group E, Mweemba said Zambia must fight for one of the four best second-placed finishes that would earn a play-off berth.

Chipolopolo captain Lubambo Musonda expressed gratitude for FAZ’s intervention.

“We want to thank the president and his delegation for coming here to address our concerns. We are grateful for the issue of the allowances and thank you for the money we will receive by Monday,” Musonda said.

The Chipolopolo face Morocco on Monday at 15:00 hours at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

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