Ndola stadium to host Africa Cup qualifier

28th July 2011

The ultra-modern Ndola stadium scheduled for completion next month will host the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Zambia and Libya.

Zambia will play the North Africans on October 8 in a Group C final qualifier.

Minister of Works and Supply Gabriel Namulambe said in an interview in Lusaka on Thursday that the stadium under construction in Ndola will be completed in time for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

Namulambe said Anhui Foreign Economic Construction (AFEC) has already completed major works and that only remedial works like access roads leading to the stadium are remaining.

“There is no doubt the final qualifier will be played at the new stadium in Ndola since works on the modern sporting infrastructure is scheduled for completion in the next 45 days.

“His Excellency President Rupiah Bwezani Banda will officially open the stadium which will also cater for other sporting disciplines like athletics.

The official opening date will only be announced once minor works are completed,” Namulambe said.

The Chipolopolo have over the years been forced to play their home games at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe following the closure of Lusaka’s Independence Stadium.

Nchanga Stadium in Chingola hosted last month’s qualifier against Mozambique, which Zambia won 3-0.

Namulambe said the stadium will have a natural football pitch and a synthetic running track.

He also said the stadium under construction in Lusaka will gobble US$94 million.

“The works at the new Lusaka stadium are expected to be completed in 30 months but we have been told the structure could be ready four months ahead of schedule,” he said.

Shanghai Construction Group of China are the contractors for the 50,000 seater stadium.

Namulambe said construction of the stadium was initially supposed to start in April but delayed due to heavy rains.

“We are happy works on the other new stadium to be constructed in Lusaka commenced on Wednesday.

The contractors have assured us that the stadium will be completed within the specified time,” he said.