By Angela Bambala Bwalya
ZESCO United head coach Mwenya Chipepo has warned his players against underestimating Mutondo Stars, insisting there are no easy opponents in the Transitional League as his side targets its first victory of the campaign.
ZESCO travel to the Trade Fair Grounds on Saturday for a Stream B encounter against a Mutondo side also searching for its first points of the season, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 hours.
Chipepo’s men are under pressure to turn their performances into victories after collecting just two points from their opening three matches. Their latest outing ended in disappointment, with ZESCO held to a goalless draw by Mufulira Wanderers at home last week.
However, the ZESCO coach insists his players must approach the encounter with the same seriousness they would show against any of the league’s leading sides, warning that Mutondo’s difficult start should not influence their preparations.
“We were disappointed last week collecting one point at home. There is no small team in this league at the moment because the Transitional League is about 18 games. Everyone was saying Mutondo is a pushover, but we do not want to underrate them. We have to play them as if we are playing another big team,” Chipepo said.
The coach’s message comes as ZESCO seek to rediscover their winning touch in a transitional campaign where every point could prove crucial. They currently sit eighth in Stream B with two points and a goal difference of minus one.
Chipepo has also challenged his attacking players to improve their finishing, identifying their lack of cutting edge in front of goal as an area that must be addressed if they are to collect maximum points.
While acknowledging Mutondo’s struggles, he praised their defensive organisation and goalkeeping, warning that ZESCO will need to be more clinical to break them down.
“Definitely, we need those three points. They are defending well, and their goalkeeping department is okay, but we just have to sharpen our striking force,” he added.
Mutondo Stars arrive at the Trade Fair Grounds in search of a response after losing all three of their opening matches. Their latest setback was a 3-0 defeat to Chirundu United, leaving them bottom of Stream B without a point.
They have conceded six goals and are yet to find the net, leaving them with a goal difference of minus six.
Despite those difficulties, Mutondo will be determined to frustrate their hosts and revive their campaign, while ZESCO know that another dropped opportunity could further delay their climb up the standings.
The head-to-head record favours ZESCO, who have recorded four victories against Mutondo’s two, with one meeting ending in a draw.
For Chipepo, however, the historical advantage and Mutondo’s early-season struggles count for little. His message is clear: ZESCO must respect their opponents, sharpen their finishing and deliver the performance required to secure their first win of the Transitional League.
