By Angela Bambala Bwalya
ZESCO United head coach Mwenya Chipepo has warned his players against underestimating Nkwazi as the Ndola-based side targets another victory in Saturday’s MTN Super League Transitional Season Group B encounter at Edwin Imboela Stadium in Lusaka.
ZESCO head into the 15:00 kick-off looking to build on an emphatic 4-0 victory over Roan United as they pursue their third win of the campaign.
The former champions have collected eight points from five matches, recording two wins, two draws and one defeat, to sit second in the Group B standings.
However, Chipepo expects a difficult afternoon against a Nkwazi side that has proved a stubborn opponent in previous meetings.
“Another tough game. Yes, we are confident we have prepared well. We did well last year in the last game against United. There’s no easy team at the moment. This is what I can say,” Chipepo said.
“Playing an away game against Nkwazi at their home ground is going to be a very tough one. But we have prepared the team well, and we are ready for the match.”
Chipepo acknowledged Nkwazi’s ability to frustrate ZESCO, recalling that his side failed to beat the Lusaka outfit in their two league meetings last season, losing once and drawing the other.
The ZESCO tactician, however, believes Saturday’s encounter presents an opportunity to change that record and secure a positive result.
“No. This time around I think it’s going to be different. We’re going to have different results. Like I said earlier on, we have prepared a very good side for the game against Nkwazi,” he added.
Nkwazi head into the fixture following a goalless draw against Green Eagles and will be eager to claim their first victory of the transitional season.
The Lusaka-based side are yet to win after recording three draws and one defeat in their opening four matches, leaving them eighth in Group B with three points.
The head-to-head record points to a potentially close contest, with Nkwazi having recorded two victories against ZESCO’s three, while five of their last 10 meetings have ended in draws.
Chipepo also praised ZESCO’s supporters for their impressive turnout during the team’s recent outing in Luanshya and urged them to maintain their support when the team plays in Lusaka.
“It was very encouraging, and we were very happy. They gave us their support, which was very good.
“At the end of the game, we impressed them, and we gave them actually what they wanted. So my appeal to them is to continue coming in numbers so that at least we have a little player,” he said.
ZESCO will be hoping to carry their recent attacking form into Saturday’s encounter, but Chipepo knows his side must be at their best against a Nkwazi team determined to end its winless run.
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 hours at Edwin Imboela Stadium in Lusaka.
