. Simaata

By SANDRA MWILA –
FOOTBALL administrator Andre Mtine says he is saddened by the recent statement by Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) vice-president Richard Kazala rejecting Simataa Simataa as general secretary.
Mtine said it was unfortunate that Kazala reacted to a mere newspaper speculation than resolving the matter in the boardroom.
He said Kazala’s action was a sign of “washing dirty linen in public” and that matters should be handled in a better manner.
“Firstly, I should say I am saddened by the development, people should not react to newspaper speculations.
“Secondly, the thought of appointing a new secretary general should be dealt with in the boardroom. This is washing dirty linen in public, issues can be handled in a better manner,” Mtine said.
He said the FAZ president had the power to nominate and dismiss the general secretary and the executive should discuss the terms.
“I think it is within the president’s perimeters to propose the name of the general secretary, I don’t think the executive should reject. Let’s say for arguments sake that the president proposes Simataa’s name in a meeting and they reject, how do they proceed from there? Because there are no guidelines in the constitution,” he said.
Mtine said FAZ needed to work with the corporate world, but that such statements do not go well as some corporate bodies might not come forth to render support.
“There is need for harmony and a good relationship within the executive.
“FAZ is a brand and they need the corporate world. Such happenings don’t send a good message,” he said.
Kazala on Wednesday issued a strong statement, though not on a FAZ headed paper, saying the executive was not considering Simataa for the position.
He said Simataa was not eligible because he was facing disciplinary cases at FAZ and FIFA.
This is despite highly-placed sources revealing that FAZ president Andrew Kamanga had lined up Simataa for the position.