President Hakainde Hichilema has purchased all tickets for today’s crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Zambia and Burundi, allowing football supporters to watch the match free of charge at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. The gesture is expected to give more Zambians an opportunity to support the national football team, popularly known as the Chipolopolo, as they prepare for an important encounter in their AFCON qualifying campaign. The announcement has generated excitement among football supporters, particularly those who may have been unable to attend the match because of ticket costs. By covering the cost of tickets across the stadium, the President has made it possible for fans to access the available seating sections without purchasing new tickets. The initiative also provides an opportunity for supporters to demonstrate their commitment to the national team as Zambia seeks a positive result against Burundi.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) General Secretary Charles Chakatazya confirmed the development and explained that the President’s gesture covers all major sections of Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. These include the North, South, East and West stands, as well as the VIP section. However, the Very Very Important Persons (VVIP) section will remain strictly accessible by invitation. This clarification is important because supporters need to understand the different access arrangements before travelling to the stadium. The free-entry arrangement is intended to make the match accessible to as many football fans as possible while maintaining the established security and seating procedures.
Chakatazya further clarified that supporters who wish to access the VIP section must still present their tickets at the stadium gates. He also assured fans who had already purchased tickets before the announcement that their tickets remain valid and should not be discarded. Those supporters are expected to present their existing tickets when seeking entry into the stadium. This arrangement ensures that people who had already spent money to secure their seats do not lose the value of their purchases. It also provides clear guidance to stadium officials and supporters as they prepare for the match.
In confirming the development, Chakatazya stated that President Hichilema had purchased all tickets to facilitate free entry for members of the public, except for the VVIP section. He emphasised that supporters with previously purchased tickets should continue using them because they remain valid for admission. The clarification is particularly important for fans who may have been uncertain about whether the President’s gesture would affect their existing arrangements. By confirming that all previously purchased tickets remain valid, FAZ has helped prevent unnecessary confusion ahead of the fixture. Supporters are therefore encouraged to carry their tickets and follow the instructions provided by stadium officials.
The FAZ General Secretary also appealed to football supporters to maintain discipline and observe stadium regulations throughout the event. Although entry will be free for the covered sections, fans are expected to cooperate with security personnel, gate minders and stadium marshals. Chakatazya stressed that supporters should remain orderly when entering the facility and conduct themselves responsibly. Free entry does not mean that stadium rules and security procedures have been suspended. Fans are therefore encouraged to arrive in good time, follow designated entry arrangements and avoid behaviour that could disrupt the match or put other spectators at risk.
The appeal for orderly conduct comes as thousands of football supporters are expected to turn up at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium to cheer the Chipolopolo. Large football gatherings require proper coordination to ensure that spectators enter safely and find their designated seating areas without unnecessary congestion. Cooperation between supporters, security officers and stadium management will be important in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. Fans should also respect instructions from marshals and avoid pushing, fighting or attempting to force entry through restricted gates. Responsible behaviour will help ensure that the President’s gesture translates into a positive experience for families, young supporters and football lovers from different parts of the country.
Zambia will face Burundi in a crucial Matchday Three fixture of the 2027 Pamoja Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The encounter is scheduled to take place at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, with kick-off set for 15:00 hours. The match represents an important opportunity for the Chipolopolo to strengthen their position in the qualification campaign and pursue their ambition of securing a place at the continental tournament. Playing in front of a strong home crowd could provide valuable encouragement for the national team. The availability of free entry is expected to make it easier for more supporters to attend and create an atmosphere of national unity behind the players.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers are an important stage in Zambia’s efforts to compete among Africa’s leading national football teams. Every qualifying fixture carries significance because results determine a country’s chances of progressing to the final tournament. For the Chipolopolo, the encounter against Burundi provides an opportunity to demonstrate determination, teamwork and consistency. Support from the stands can help create an encouraging environment, although the responsibility for delivering a positive result ultimately rests with the players and technical bench. Football supporters will be hoping that the team makes the most of home advantage and produces a performance worthy of the nation’s expectations.
President Hakainde Hichilema’s decision to purchase all available tickets also places attention on the importance of public support for Zambian football. National teams often depend on the enthusiasm and encouragement of supporters, particularly during important international competitions. Making stadium access more affordable can help increase attendance and strengthen the connection between the team and the public. It also provides an opportunity for supporters who might otherwise miss the match to experience the excitement of international football. However, the success of the initiative will depend not only on attendance but also on the discipline and cooperation of everyone entering the stadium.
As the Chipolopolo prepare to face Burundi in Ndola, the message to supporters is clear. Fans should take advantage of the free-entry arrangement, carry any previously purchased tickets and follow all stadium access instructions. Those seeking entry into the VIP section must present their tickets, while access to the VVIP section remains strictly by invitation. Supporters should also cooperate with security personnel and maintain order throughout the event. President Hichilema’s gesture has created an opportunity for more Zambians to stand behind their national team, and a strong, disciplined crowd can help make the occasion memorable. All attention now turns to Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, where the Chipolopolo will look to reward the nation’s support with a strong performance against Burundi.