The Football Association of Zambia Super Division planned restart at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, suffered a major blow on Saturday after Forest Ranger reported 28 positive cases of COVID-19 in its camp just hours away from their match against Zanaco.

The Ndola based side announced in a statement that out of the 58 tests done on players and staff, 30 were negative and 28 tested positive.

“In accordance with the health guidelines that have been put in place by the Ministry of Health and FAZ for football clubs to take COVID-19 tests before the league resumes, Forest Rangers Football players and support staff took tests earlier this week,” read the statement.

“A total number of 58 took the test, from which 30 were negative as earlier reported and 28 positive cases.”

This announcement prompted the authorities to call off the match to a later date.

But Zanaco General Manager Marlon Kananda says, his team will not play Forest Rangers again. Kananda says the team will now focus its attention to the Nkana game on Wednesday.

“We have told FAZ that we won’t play Forest, to us this is a win and we should now start focusing on playing Nkana on Wednesday.As far as am concerned we have three points and three goals.” said Kananda

Two fixtures today Sunday will be on the spotlight with Zesco United hosting Kansanshi Dynamos at 13:00 hrs while Buildcon play Power Dynamos.

Meanwhile, the FAZ National Division one League kicked off without any glitches as leaders Kitwe United who are chasing promotion to the topflight suffered a 2-1 loss to Police College.

Harrison Zulu’s late double secured the victory for Police sponsored outfit.