By Precious Bwale
Power Dynamos assistant coach Linos Makwaza praised Mufulira Wanderers after his side booked their place in the ABSA Cup final following a tense penalty shootout victory.
The semi-final proved to be a hard-fought contest, with Power eventually holding their nerve from the spot to seal progression and keep their hopes of a domestic double alive.
Makwaza admitted Wanderers pushed his side all the way and credited them for their energy and quality.
“Wanderers gave us a good run for our money. They played good football and we had to match them,” he said.
“We knew they are young and energetic, but what matters is we carried the day.”
Power’s preparations were far from ideal, having played a rescheduled Super League fixture only days before the cup clash.
Makwaza said the demanding schedule had taken its toll on the squad, but was pleased with the response from his players.
“The games are coming thick and fast, and it took a toll on us. But the boys gave their best,” he said.
With the MTN Super League title race still in their hands and a place in the ABSA Cup final now secured, Power are targeting a memorable league and cup double.
“We are ready for whoever we face in the final. We are looking for a double,” Makwaza added.
The winners of the ABSA Bank Zambia sponsored competition will receive K1,100,000, while the runners-up will take home K450,000.
Individual excellence will also be rewarded, with K25,000 prizes earmarked for the Player of the Tournament, Golden Boot winner and Golden Glove recipient.
Man-of-the-match awards for the best performers in these games will pocket K15,000.
