Leeds United, a community football club based in Lusaka’s Chipata Compound Overspill Area, has appealed to the area councilor to assist the club with a pitch in the locality.

Leeds United Football Club Coach, Alpha Lungu, stated that the club does not have a proper playing ground, explaining that they were chased away from the pitch they previously used at New Mandevu Basic School.

In an interview with ZANIS, Lungu revealed that the club has been struggling to honour some matches due to the lack of playing ground, saying the situation might demotivate some players, potentially leading them to abandon football and engage in illicit activities.

“As a club, we would greatly appreciate it if the area councilor or Member of Parliament could allocate a pitch for us here in Chipata Overspill,” Lungu said.

Lungu further noted that the club aspires to join the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) leagues. He however, said that challenges with the playing pitch and sponsorships are hindering the team from participating in FAZ-organized leagues at grassroots levels.

He emphasized that one of the club’s primary goals is to keep young players away from drug abuse and other illicit activities through football, as it helps keep them engaged and focused.