SOCCER – Local international Lindo Mkhonta’s future hangs in balance after his side ZESCO United have been formally suspended from the Zambian Premier League for breaching football rules by taking football related disputes to a conventional court of law.
According to Zambian Times, ZESCO through its General Secretary Joseph Chimpapwe, flouted Zambia’s 2025/26 CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup representatives by undermining the league statutes.
“We write to formally inform you that the Football Association has received court summons concerning the ongoing matter involving your club’s appeal,” reads part of the letter signed by Chimpapwe.
“As you are aware, in our previous correspondence, your club was explicitly advised to refrain from referring football related disputes to ordinary courts and to instead follow the established internal dispute resolution mechanism. It has come to our attention that ZESCO United Football Club has not complied with this directive and has proceeded to engage the ordinary courts in this matter.”
“In light of this development and in accordance with the FAZ Constitution and league regulations and governance principles, the Zambian Premier League have resolved to suspend ZESCO United from participating in the league with immediate effect,” the letter read.
The MTN Super League team stand accused of disregarding established internal dispute resolution procedures and failing to reverse the process prior warning.
“This suspension remains in force until the court matter is fully resolved. Consequently, all upcoming fixtures involving ZESCO United are hereby suspended until further notice,” reads the letter.
ZESCO United went to the traditional court of law to challenge their removal from the ABSA Cup over their earlier fixture against Mutondo Stars, which had already been played earlier in the season.
Meanwhile, Mkhonta, the Sihlangu captain, said he was on his way to Zambia from the recent national team assignment.
“There is nothing official we have been told so far. I’m in Johannesburg right now on my way to Zambia,” he said when reached yesterday.
The former Young Buffaloes right back is the captain for ZESCO United and has been with the club for the past two seasons.
Meanwhile, ZESCO United have called upon their loyal supporters, stakeholders and partners to remain calm and united during this period.
“The club will continue to uphold transparency and will provide timely updates as developments unfold. The purported suspension is irregular and contrary to established disciplinary procedures,” reads the statement signed by the club’s acting CEO James Ngoma.
