Red Arrows assistant coach Francis Kombe says his side are fully aware of the threat posed by giant-killers Chirundu United as they prepare for Saturday’s ABSA Cup semi-final at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Holders Arrows face National League side Chirundu in Ndola with a place in the final at stake, and Kombe has warned against underestimating opponents who have already eliminated Super League sides Kabwe Warriors and ZANACO on their route to the last four.
“We want to congratulate Chirundu United for reaching this far. Playing in the semi-finals is no small feat,” Kombe said.
“Many have called them ‘giant killers’, and we respect that. Our preparations have been for the semi-finals regardless of which team we would meet.”
For Red Arrows, the competition carries added significance beyond domestic silverware, with the winners earning qualification for next season’s continental football.
Kombe said that opportunity has made the ABSA Cup one of the club’s major priorities.
“This cup is important because it will take us to represent the nation on the continental stage, so we are taking it very seriously,” he said.
“We are aware of Chirundu. They have good, young, and very energetic players. We are ready for them.”
Despite their strong focus on the cup, Kombe insisted Arrows have not abandoned their ambitions in the league title race.
“It is a motivating factor for us, but we are not giving up on the league,” he said.
“We are still in the race. We haven’t given up. Anything can happen in football.”
When asked whether his side had specifically prepared for Chirundu’s strengths, Kombe remained cautious, preferring to let the match itself provide the answers.
“It will be a very tricky and interesting game,” he said.
“We just have to be ready, like we have been against every other team. Football is played on the pitch. Ninety minutes will speak.”
Red Arrows have looked sharp throughout this year’s competition.
They reached the semi-finals with a commanding 4-1 victory over Play It Forward in the quarter-finals, having earlier swept aside Zambezi Portland 3-0 in the round of 16.
Chirundu, meanwhile, arrive with momentum and belief after their remarkable run from the National League, and also eliminating Kabwe Warriors and ZANACO to set up what promises to be one of the most intriguing ties of the tournament.
Kick-off is set for 15:00 local time in Ndola.
