Lusaka (AFP) – Three Zambian footballers who claimed to be unfit and missed a friendly with Brazil before returning to their club in the Democratic Republic of Congo will be arrested, an immigration official said Wednesday.
Rainford Kalaba
The players, Stoppila Sunzu, Rainford Kalaba and Nathan Sinkala, had their passports confiscated by football officials who suspected that they faked their injuries.
Instead of travelling with their teammates for Tuesday’s match in Beijing, the TP Mazembe players sneaked out of Zambia and back to the DRC.
Nathan Sinkala
Immigration Department chief Moola Milomo said the players “left without official documents and they face the charge of illegal exit.”
The charge carries a two-year jail term or an option of a fine.
Sports minister Chishimba Kambwili said the government will not shield the star players from prosecution because of their status.
“They must face the law and as government we shall not protect them,” he said.
The players were instrumental in helping Zambia win the 2012 African Cup of Nations.
“I hear they used the bush to leave the country and so they should be held accountable even if they are good players and have in the past done well for the team,” said Kambwili.
TP Mazembe said the players were injured and suggested that they get examined in Zambia.
A doctor assigned by the Zambian FA found that they could still travel to China for the game.
Chipolopolo lost the game 2-0. – AFP
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