CECILIA ZULU, Lusaka
THE Confederation of African Football (CAF) advance party is expected in the country next week, ahead of the Africa Youth Championship kicking off on February 26 in Lusaka and Ndola.
And Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has warned of stern action against people that will be selling tickets on the streets during the junior championship.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga said in Lusaka on Wednesday that the CAF delegation will arrive in the country next Saturday.
“CAF has already given  Zambia a go ahead to host the tournament [Africa Youth Championship]. I am shocked to hear that South Africa has been put on standby should Zambia fail to host the event.
“I was called for a meeting in Gabon recently by the organising committee to go through preparations for the tournament. As we speak, CAF confirmed that the advance part will be arriving on February 18,” Kamanga said.
He said preparations for the tournament have reached an advanced stage.
Meanwhile, Kamanga who is also local organising committee chairperson, said law enforcement officers will deal with people who will be found wanting.
He urged soccer fans to buy tickets from designated selling points.
“We are using the computer ticket selling system. Everyone is advised to buy tickets from any shoprite stores outlet. We will not allow buying tickets in bulk.
“Anyone who will be found selling tickets on the black market will be dealt with by the law enforcement,” Kamanga said.
Zambia are in Group A alongside Egypt, Guinea and Mali while Group B has Cameroon, Senegal, South Africa and Sudan.
The top four finishers will book tickets for the FIFA South Korea World Youth Championship slated for May this year.