By Angela Bambala Bwalya
The ZESCO United coach expects a difficult test in Luanshya but says his players are ready to build on their emphatic victory over Mutondo Stars.
ZESCO United head coach Mwenya Chipepo is expecting a tough encounter when his side visits Roan United in the MTN Super League Transitional Season on Wednesday.
The rescheduled Group B fixture is scheduled for 15:00 hours at Kafubu Stadium in Luanshya, with ZESCO looking to build on their first victory of the campaign, a commanding 5-0 win over Mutondo Stars at the weekend.
Chipepo acknowledged Roan’s performances so far and warned his players against underestimating the hosts, despite the confidence gained from their emphatic victory.
“Ah, another tough game. Yeah, we did well against Mutondo Stars, and it was our first win of the season. But going to Luanshya, it’s not going to be an easy game. If you look at the way they have performed up to now, they’re doing well, so we’re expecting a very tough game,” he said.
The ZESCO coach believes the weekend result has lifted the mood within the squad, with the players’ attitude in training providing further encouragement ahead of the trip to Luanshya.
“Yeah, that has boosted the morale in our players, and even today, the way they are training has given us more confidence that they are going to do well. They are happy they won the game on Saturday, and of course, that has boosted morale, like I said. Going to Luanshya, I think we are ready. We are ready for that game,” Chipepo added.
He also expressed confidence that ZESCO supporters would travel to Luanshya in numbers to back the team as they seek to turn their first win into a sustained run of positive results.
“But I’m sure they are happy, and they have confidence that even when we go to Luanshya, I’m sure they will come in numbers to support us,” he said.
ZESCO head into the encounter fourth in Group B with five points from four matches, while Roan United occupy seventh position with four points from three outings.
The hosts will be eager to bounce back after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Green Eagles, while Chipepo’s men will aim to maintain the momentum generated by their five-goal performance against Mutondo Stars.
Historical meetings also favour the Ndola-based side. ZESCO have recorded three victories and three draws in the last six listed encounters between the teams, leaving Roan without a win in that run.
However, Roan will have home advantage as they seek to end that sequence, while ZESCO will be determined to secure another positive result and strengthen their position in the transitional season.
