Zambia/Swaziland: Zesco Off to Swaziland

31 March 2011

ZAMBIA’S envoys in the 2011 Orange CAF African Champions League Zesco United yesterday left for Swaziland for the return match against Young Buffaloes with Coach Fighton Simukonda aiming for a victory.

Simukonda said he was taking nothing for granted as anything was possible in football and that it would be unwise to underrate Buffaloes just because the Zambian champions are carrying a healthy 5-0 lead.

Zesco are just a foot away from setting up a probable last-16 clash against record six-time champions Al-Ahly of Egypt who carry a 2-0 lead over SuperSport United of South Africa.

He warned his players against complacency going into the match but should aim at winning the match and send a warning to other teams that Zesco mean business this year.

Simukonda said in an interview at Lusaka Hotel before departure that he was happy with the levels of commitment from the players whom he said were ready to take on the Buffaloes team coached by George Chikokola.

“The morale among the players is high, we have hard good preparations and we want to work hard for the encounter because we are going there to win and nothing else,” said Simukonda.

The team comprises Chansa Kabwe and Jacob Banda as goalkeepers, Rodgers Kamwandi, Kabamba Chalwe, Steven Kabamba, Daudi Musekwa, Billy Mwanza and Nyambe as defenders.

Midfielders are Mathews Chikwete, Sydney Kalume, Potipher Zulu, John Ching’andu, Clifford Chipalo, Innocent Mwaba with Alfred Luputa , Jackson Mwanza and Nicholas Zulu completing the strikers list.

And the Zambia Voluntary Soccer Fans Association (ZAVOSOFA) has wished Zesco good luck as they take on Buffaloes on Saturday.

ZAVOSOFA strongman Peter Makembo said fans were happy with the performance of Zesco and were sure that the Ndola side would emerge victorious and surge to the next round.

Makembo, however, warned Zesco against complacency and that despite carrying a 5-0 lead, the team players should remain focused on winning the match.

The first leg played at the Trade Fair Grounds in Ndola saw Zesco starting proceedings on a quick note with Luputa scoring a hat-trick. Kangwa Chileshe and Nicholas Zulu scored a goal each.

AllAfrica – All the Time