FAZ disappointed with racial remarks

The campaign for the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) presidency is being marred by racial slurs on one of the candidates.

Zambian legend Kalusha Bwalya, lawyer Anthony Kasolo and Hanif Adams, a businessman of Indian origin, are contesting the 29 March poll.

But there has been opposition to Adams' candidature in the local media and other Zambians on the basis of his race.

Adams, who owns top flight club Lusaka Dynamos, expressed disappointement with the remarks.

"I am very disappointed for people bringing race issues into matters of football or any matter concerning the development of any country," he told BBC Sport.

"I have never thought I was regarded as an Indian, I always believe I am a Zambian because I was born and bred here.

"I have never been to India since I was born 54 years ago." "It hurts me when people say that," he added.

"For the last 29 years, I have developed indigenous Zambian players who are thriving because of my efforts."

Despite the attacks, Adams says he will not back down on his Faz ambition.

One of Adams' opponents, Anthony Kasolo, has condemned the racist remarks.
"Legally speaking, being indigenous is neither here nor there because we all came from different places," Kasolo said.

"It's being petty and it's unfortunate that a campaign should go that dirty."

Football Assocition of Zambia have described the racial remarks directed towards candidate as an inderous to the soccer development of the nation. All candidates should resist racial remarks instead they should talk about developments that they intend to bring and the things that they want to achieve. The association also emphased that voting should not be based on on racial tribal or ethic grounds but the calibre of a leader.

Meanwhile FAZ spokesperson Joseph Nkole has also declared that he will stand for the position of FAZ Vice President. He stated some of his objectives especially to enhance the KCM and Supersport deal and also wanted to make Zambian football more interesting. The duties of the vice president in the association maily involves leagues and all local competions.

Read the complete post at http://zambianfootball.blogspot.com/2008/02/faz-disappointed-with-racial-remarks.html