By Angela Bambala Bwalya
The Stylish Coach wants his side to respond to their defeat by Green Eagles with maximum points against an experienced ZESCO United outfit in Wednesday’s rescheduled MTN Super League fixture.
Roan United head coach Satchmo Chakawa has challenged his players to defend their home advantage and fight for maximum points when they host ZESCO United in a rescheduled MTN Super League Week Three encounter at Kafubu Stadium on Wednesday.
The Luanshya-based side will be looking to bounce back from a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Green Eagles, while ZESCO United arrive in confident mood after an emphatic 5-0 victory over Mutondo Stars.
ZESCO sit fourth in Stream B with five points from four matches, while Roan are seventh with four points from three outings, setting up an important contest for both sides as they seek to improve their positions.
Chakawa expects a difficult challenge against a ZESCO side he regards as one of the strongest teams in the competition but believes his players are ready to respond following their setback in Choma.
“We had a narrow loss in Choma, which was not good for us. Looking at the way the game went, I thought we deserved more than losing that game,” he said.
The Roan coach acknowledged the quality and experience within the visitors’ squad, warning that his team could not afford lapses in concentration.
“Coming to ZESCO United, I think ZESCO United are a top, top side, with top coaches, top players and internationals. They have everything, and they are a team that, if you switch off, they will punish you in a second,” Chakawa said.
“I think it will be a tough game for us, but we know we are prepared. We had a solid week. Obviously, we have rested more than they did, but the physical freshness in this game does not really matter because we are playing against a strong side which is more experienced than us.”
Despite the challenge, Chakawa believes the respect shown to Roan by their opponents reflects the progress his team has made.
He pointed to ZESCO’s decision not to release some players for the Under-23 national team camp, saying the situation had provided his side with additional motivation ahead of the encounter. He also clarified that Roan had complied with the applicable CAF regulations regarding their goalkeeper.
“We appreciate the respect that ZESCO is giving us. Looking at where we are, the journey we have had, and a team like ZESCO United, if they can fail to release their players to the Under-23 national team, it just says a lot about what we are doing. We know that we are going in the right direction,” he said.
Chakawa added that his team would focus on implementing its tactical approach and making the most of home advantage.
“I think we only want to defend our home turf, execute our tactical identity and fight for three points,” he said.
Historical meetings between the two sides favour ZESCO United. In six recorded encounters between 2012 and 2014, the Ndola-based outfit registered three victories, while the remaining three matches ended in draws, leaving Roan without a win.
However, Wednesday’s encounter presents a fresh opportunity for Chakawa’s side to challenge that record, with the hosts hoping to use their home advantage to overcome the visitors’ greater experience.
The Roan coach has also called on supporters to turn out in numbers and provide the backing he believes will be crucial to his team’s chances.
Acknowledging that a midweek fixture could make attendance difficult for fans with work commitments, Chakawa remains confident that the Luanshya faithful will rally behind the team.
“We know our fans are our 12th player. We need them in this game. I know it will be a Wednesday, a working day, and it will be difficult for them to come out. But the way I know the Luanshya faithful, they will be here to boost us, they will be here to push us,” he said.
“Obviously, we need a push in this game. It will be nice seeing them in the terraces, chanting the way they sing. They push us a lot, and we really need them in this game. I ask them to come in numbers.”
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 hours on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Kafubu Stadium in Luanshya.
