By GWEN CHIPASULA –
CHARITY Shield defending champions Zesco United have been drawn against bitter rivals Power Dynamos in the first semi-finals of the 2016 Charity Shield which commences next weekend on February 20.
And defence side Green Buffaloes Football Club have been drawn against bankers Zanaco Football Club to play the second semi-final of the double-header set for Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) head of administration and competition Julio Chiluba said during the draws at Football House yesterday that the venue for the finals of this tournament will be announced on a later date but after the semi-finals have been played.
“We can only know where the final will be played based on who will qualify to the finals. If it’s the Lusaka clubs that will make the final, then it will be pointless to travel to Ndola or the other way round,” he said.
But one thing for sure is that the final will be played on March 5.
Last year, Power Dynamos, Zanaco, Zesco United and Nkana football club took part in this tournament.
And Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) club licensing manager Erick Mwanza confirmed in an interview yesterday that only three clubs Zesco, Zanaco and Power Dynamos have had their licences done.
Mwanza said FAZ has written to all the clubs informing them of what was required in readiness for the league which kicks off a week after the Charity Shield final.
He stated the three basic requirements were for a club to have a stadium with green grass, a wire fence around the pitch and changing rooms.
Mwanza said FAZ has given the clubs up to February monthend to finalise everything as inspection will commence first week of March before the league kicks off.