Awol Zambians infuriate local clubs

Three Zambian players who failed to report back to their South African Premier League clubs following the team's Africa Cup of Nations victory, face disciplinary hearings and possible fines.

Davies Nkausu of Supersport United, and Joseph Musonda and Collins Mbesuma from Golden Arrows, were expected back 48 hours after national duty, but had not communicated with their clubs ahead of the start of the Absa Premiership last week.

Musonda was injured in the final against Ivory Coast, while Nkausu was in the starting line-up. Mbesuma was on the bench.

According to Supersport coach Gavin Hunt, Nkausu only began training with the team yesterday.

"We never received any communication from the Zambian FA about the players being late. We expected them back 48 hours after national duty, but Nkausu missed two games," said the coach.

"We will take action against the player, but we can't do anything against the federation. They have to understand these players get paid by the club, not the national team."

According to Hunt Nkausu said he was waiting to be paid by the Zambia FA after the Nations Cup. The government had promised the players R470000 each.

What infuriated Supersport and Arrows management was the fact that Zambia's goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene returned to Free State Stars on Friday in time to face Amazulu, although he did not play.