Zambian soccer players warned against indiscipline

Zimbabwe Star (IANS) Friday 3rd February, 2012

The Zambian government has warned its footballers currently participating in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that it will not tolerate any more indiscipline at the on-going tournament.

Some players broke team curfew rules and went drinking Sunday, a move that has resulted in the expulsion of one of the players - Clifford Mulenga - from the team.

Sports Deputy Minister Rayford Mbulu said indiscipline would not be condoned because everybody in the Zambian team were at the AFCON as ambassadors for the nation.

"I want to state categorically that we will not tolerate indiscipline especially when we are ambassadors here. We have travelled thousands of kilometres to represent our country. So when indiscipline is noted, its our obligation to take action before it spreads to other members of the team," Mbulu was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

The government official has further regretted the sad incident that occurred but indicated that the situation is now "under control".

The Zambia national soccer team is expected to take on Sudan in the quarterfinals of the tournament Saturday.