By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Chirundu United say they are ready for another major challenge as the National League side prepare to face holders Red Arrows in Saturday’s ABSA Cup semi-final at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Having already knocked out Super League sides Kabwe Warriors and ZANACO, Chirundu head into the last-four clash with confidence, but head coach Caston Chilekwa insists his side are under no illusions about the task ahead.
“I think Kabwe Warriors and ZANACO is water under the bridge. Playing Red Arrows will be a different ball game,” Chilekwa said.
“Red Arrows are an experienced team and have a good history. They have won it before, so if it is to beat Red Arrows, we need to work hard.”
Chilekwa said pressure comes naturally at this stage of the competition, with both sides fighting for the same objective.
“Football is football. Pressure is there for both teams. We are competing for one thing,” he said.
“Competition is there. Each and every game we play, we face challenges. The closer we move, the tougher the teams and challenges we face.”
For the coach, simply reaching the semi-finals has already been a major achievement for the club, but he believes there is still more to fight for.
“Indeed, just reaching the semi-finals of this cup is enough motivation for us,” he said.
“If we go an extra mile, if we go up, it will be a big motivation for us.”
Chilekwa also dismissed suggestions that Chirundu are prioritising the cup over their National League campaign after losing their last league fixture.
“There’s nothing like focusing on ABSA. It’s just one of those games,” he said.
Currently sixth in the National League on 53 points, Chirundu remain firmly in contention for promotion to the Super League, and Chilekwa believes the cup run has provided proof that his side can compete at the highest level.
“We are in the race of winning promotion to the Super League, so it was a test if we can stand in the Super League,” he said.
“Winning against those two teams gave us motivation and a plus for us to move ahead.”
Captain Philimon Chilimina echoed that confidence, saying the team’s progress in both league and cup competition has strengthened belief within the squad.
“As a team and as an individual we are very proud and it’s encouraging for us to go an extra mile to continue working hard,” Chilimina said.
“The results are showing. Reaching this far, not everyone expected this. But for us it means a lot.
“It’s been challenging, but through challenges, it was rewarding.”
He added that victories over Kabwe Warriors and ZANACO have shown the team they belong on the big stage.
“We managed to win against Kabwe Warriors and ZANACO,” he said.
“In the National League we are in contention, fighting for promotion. So it’s a good test for us to see if we can manage in the Super League or not.”
Chirundu’s route to the semi-finals has been one of the stories of this year’s competition.
In the round of 16, they fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Kabwe Warriors before winning on penalties.
They followed that with a disciplined 1-0 victory over ZANACO in the quarter-finals to book a semi-final meeting with Red Arrows.
Kick-off is set for 15:00 local time in Ndola, with Chirundu hoping their giant-killing run has one more chapter left.
