Absa Bank Zambia PLC and the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) have today in a joint statement announced the postponement of the Absa Cup 2020 quarter final matches that were scheduled to be played on 21 and 22 March 2020 at the Nkoloma Stadium. This follows National and International guidance on the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) gathering and travel restrictions.

The postponement comes shortly after Zambia’s Minister of Health Dr. Chitalu Chilufya announced today that Zambia has recorded its first two cases of the Covid-19.

Commenting on the tournament development, Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) General Secretary, Adrian Kashala said, “Our priority is to safeguard the football players, fans, associates and the general public. It is for this reason that we have decided to postpone this weekend’s matches until a later date to be announced to avoid any risks that may arise through a public gathering such as this.

Absa Bank Zambia PLC Head: Marketing and Corporate Relations, Mato Shimabale said that the Bank is closely monitoring the spread of the Covid-19 and is taking the well-being of customers, employees, stakeholders and the public at large very seriously.

“The Bank is adhering to the recommendations and guidelines that have been provided by Ministry of Health and World Health Organisation (WHO), to ensure that we apply best practice with regards to public gatherings as way of proactively mitigating any potential risks,” Mr Shimabale added.

Absa Bank Zambia PLC and the Football Association of Zambia have committed to provide updates when matches will possibly resume as they continue to consult the heath authorities.