ZESCO United head coach Winston Kalengo says his side must treat Wednesday’s rescheduled MTN Super League clash against NAPSA Stars with maximum seriousness, describing it as “another tricky encounter” despite the visitors’ struggles near the bottom of the table.
The Ndola side host NAPSA at Trade Fair Grounds in a Week 25 fixture with both teams looking to revive inconsistent league form as the season enters its decisive stage.
ZESCO are currently 10th on the table with 35 points and come into the match boosted by a narrow 1-0 victory over Kansanshi Dynamos, while NAPSA Stars sit 16th on 28 points following a 2-1 defeat to Nkwazi FC.
Kalengo believes league position means little at this stage of the campaign, with survival and pride driving every team.
“Napsa Stars of late, like us, haven’t been doing well. And you know the games are finishing so it won’t be an easy game,” Kalengo said in his pre-match interview.
“Every game has to come with the seriousness that it deserves. We are in the league game. There is nothing like you are playing a team which is in the relegation zone.
“Yes, Napsa are in the relegation zone but we are not saying they are a small club. They are playing good football. They are playing well.”
The former midfielder is expecting a fierce challenge from a NAPSA side desperate to avoid relegation and warned his players against underestimating the threat.
“That’s why the game will be difficult. We are playing a team that is in the relegation zone. They are fighting relegation and Napsa is a big club. So we know they will come looking for maximum points,” he said.
“The other part of playing a team which is in the relegation zone is that they come guns blazing because they want to survive relegation.”
Kalengo also pointed out that ZESCO themselves are not yet safe and must continue collecting points to avoid being dragged into the battle at the bottom.
“Equally us, in the position that we are, we are not far from those in the relegation zone so we have to continue getting maximum points,” he added.
“What is important is we get prepared for them as we have done, as we are doing, and I hope we will bring our A game.
“It’s important to psych the players mentally. It’s not about playing a team which is in the relegation zone.”
The ZESCO boss also appealed to supporters to back the team in what could prove to be a crucial encounter.
“We very much appreciate the 12th man for their support. We hope they continue their support. We pray come tomorrow, they will come and support the boys.”
Kick-off at Trade Fair Grounds in Ndola is set for 15:00 CAT.
By Abngela Bambala Bwalya
