Zambia Athletics polls simmer

MUKWIMA CHILALA writes DAGGERS have been drawn ahead of the upcoming Zambia Athletics (ZA) elections as three former athletes express their intention to vye for presidency amidst concerns of being barred. And Former Olympiad Jonathan Chipalo has called on the National sports Council to take an interest in the association as it had more problems than the […]

Zambia Athletics polls simmer
MUKWIMA CHILALA writes DAGGERS have been drawn ahead of the upcoming Zambia Athletics (ZA) elections as three former athletes express their intention to vye for presidency amidst concerns of being barred. And Former Olympiad Jonathan Chipalo has called on the National sports Council to take an interest in the association as it had more problems than the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ). Former 400 metres champion Samuel Matete has also expressed concern that those that wish to contest for the ZA presidency risked being barred, as has been the case in recent years. Former Athletes Matete, Chipalo and Carol Mokola are said to have all expressed interest to run for ZA presidency in the upcoming election with the latter yet to confirm. Matete noted that the current administration of Athletics had raised antagonism that needed to be resolved. He said that he was looking to ensure that the constitution of the body prevailed without barring prospective candidates on technicalities. ‘’There so many dictatorial tendencies in ZA so our resolve is to make sure that the constitution prevails. If you remember we took ZA to court because were barred from standing on technicalities which are not even in the constitution. Remember our constitution says that there shall be elections every four years and everyone who is a member is free to contest any position and that’s what we want,’’ Matete said. “How can one person be running unopposed from 1998 to date? The reason is simple, because they don’t want to stand with anyone.” Matete expressed confidence that he would successfully run for presidency in the ZA election but could, however, not disclose the club he is affiliated to for fear of what he termed victimisation. And Chipalo said that there was need to have diverse competition on the ballot and for the current president of the body to be challenged during the election. He said that he was also vying for the presidency, just like other fellow athletes as they were all looking to bring development to the sport. The trio are all Olympiads, with Matete having won silver at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics while Mokola competed in the women’s 100 metres at the 2004 Summer Olympics and Chipalo semi finalist at the 1988 Olympics. The Sun