SOCCER Administrator Simata Simata says the proposed increase of teams in the MTN/FAZ Super Division from 18 to 20 will enhance competition.

In an interview, today January 17, 2017, Simata said having more teams in the league would strengthen the league.

“It’s a welcome move especially that the league is beginning to attract itself internationally. This will enable it market the skills of our local players to the football scouts,” Simata said.

Simata said the increase would also help fringe players at clubs have some game time.

“You have to note that if this is passed we have a longer season which will last 38 weeks. This will also come as a benefit to fringe players because now they have chance play when the regulars are rested or fatigued,” he noted.

And Simata, however, observed that the increase would come with cost implications especially for clubs that were not well financed.

“The challenge comes in with finances because the smaller clubs will be disadvantaged. They have to spend for accommodation and other logistics which might strain them economically,” said Simata.

According to a FAZ secular issued last week for the Annual General Meeting set for March this year, FAZ proposed an increase to the number of teams from 18 to 20 this year, barely a year after increasing from 16 to 18.

The meeting will also discuss the amendment of the FAZ constitution as per directive from world soccer governing body FIFA.

FIFA has also directed FAZ to reduce the Electoral College from the current 350 to 80 by March 30, 2017.

The fate of suspended FAZ vice-president Richard Kazala and executive committee member Blackwell Siwale who are involved in a K150,000 will be decided.

FAZ president Andrew Kamanga suspended the two last November for gross misconduct.

The meeting will be held at Government Complex in Lusaka.