Lecce Stand Firm: Banda to Face Disciplinary Reckoning After Unauthorized Absence

FolioPitch.com – 27 July 2026 | Serie A side Lecce has issued a stark warning that Lameck Banda will face consequences of his behaviour after going AWOL, as the club confirms it has lost all contact with the Zambian winger. Director Stefano Trinchera revealed that the 25-year-old has not responded to calls for several days, missing mandatory pre-season medical tests and training sessions. The Lecce warning Banda will face consequences of his behaviour after going AWOL comes after the club exercised a contract extension through June 2027, expecting his return earlier this month.

Banda, who joined Lecce from Maccabi Petah Tikva for €2 million in 2022, has been a key figure for the Salentini, amassing 109 competitive appearances with nine goals and 12 assists. However, his sudden disappearance has stunned the club. “Unfortunately, we haven’t heard from Lameck Banda for several days,” Trinchera told Nuovo Quotidiano di Puglia. “We are continuing to call him in for his medical tests, but receive no reply. We’ll see how long this goes on for. What we can be certain of is that he will pay the consequences for his behaviour.”

The Lecce warning Banda will face consequences of his behaviour after going AWOL underscores a growing frustration within the club. Trinchera emphasized that the team had always supported Banda, including in personal matters, making his actions particularly surprising. “It is an understatement to say that we feel let down. We have always been very supportive of Lameck, including in some personal matters. This is why his behaviour has surprised us all,” he added.

Initially, Lecce attributed Banda’s delayed return to red tape issues re-entering Italy from Zambia. Reports suggested he had left Zambia, but communication has since ceased. The club now faces uncertainty over the winger’s whereabouts and intentions. This is not the first time a player has gone AWOL in Serie A, but the club’s firm response signals a zero-tolerance approach. The Lecce warning Banda will face consequences of his behaviour after going AWOL is a clear message that contractual obligations are not to be taken lightly.

Banda, capped 22 times by Zambia with three goals, has been a regular starter for Lecce, known for his pace and dribbling on the wing. His absence disrupts pre-season preparations as the team gears up for the 2025-26 campaign. With the transfer window still open, speculation may arise about his future, but Lecce’s stance suggests disciplinary action, not a sale, is the priority. The club could impose fines, suspension, or even termination of contract if Banda fails to return without valid justification.

Trinchera’s comments highlight the personal disappointment within the organization. “We have always been very supportive of Lameck, including in some personal matters. This is why his behaviour has surprised us all,” he reiterated. The club hopes Banda will re-establish contact soon, but until then, the Lecce warning Banda will face consequences of his behaviour after going AWOL remains the definitive stance.

As the situation unfolds, Lecce must balance firmness with potential reconciliation. For now, the club is preparing to move forward without him, drawing on squad depth. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges clubs face with player conduct in modern football. In conclusion, Lecce has drawn a line in the sand: Banda’s behavior is unacceptable, and he will face the repercussions when he eventually returns.