By Angela Bambala Bwalya
ZESCO Ndola Girls head coach Florence Mwila has praised her players’ fighting spirit after they secured a hard-fought 3–1 victory over Amazing Grace FC in a rescheduled Matchweek Two fixture of the 2026 ZPL Women’s Super Division Transitional League.
ZESCO claimed maximum points on Sunday, October 25, to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign and consolidate their position at the top of Stream A with nine points.
Eneless Phiri scored twice, finding the net in the seventh and 48th minutes, while Penelope Mulubwa converted a penalty in the 48th minute. Edith Phiri added another goal in the 80th minute, while Grace Nankamba scored Amazing Grace’s consolation in the 23rd minute.
Speaking after the match, Mwila acknowledged the challenge posed by a determined Amazing Grace side but commended her players for adapting to difficult playing conditions.
“Good game. We know that Amazing Grace are a stubborn team. We thank God for the victory, and well done to the girls for putting up a good fight, regardless of the surface not being so good. They were able to manage the game,” Mwila said.
Despite the victory, the ZESCO coach felt her side could have been more clinical in front of goal, although she stressed that securing all three points away from home was the priority.
“I think we could have done more. We could have scored more goals, but three points are very important,” she added.
Mwila also explained that the two changes made to the starting team following their previous outing against Nchanga were tactical, emphasising that competition for places would remain an important part of her squad management.
“No, it was a tactical change. We have a lot of players that we need to use, so it is not automatic that we will keep the same players. We will make changes here and there when it is a tactical change, so we will do that most of the time,” she explained.
Attention has now turned to their next assignment against Leopards, with Mwila anticipating another difficult test despite their opponents having spent some time away from the Super Division.
“Leopards have not been in the Super League for some time, but we expect a tough game because I think they are a good side as well, looking at the games they have played and the results they have gotten,” she said.
“We know that we just need to go in as seriously as possible and take it as a tough game that comes.”
Mwila also warned her players against complacency, insisting that ZESCO’s reputation would make them a target for their opponents throughout the campaign.
“Like I always say, most of the opponents want to beat ZESCO, so we cannot relax,” she added.
The coach reserved special praise for the supporters who travelled to cheer on the team, including fans who made the journey from Ndola and Lusaka, describing their presence as a valuable source of motivation.
“To our fans, thank you very much for travelling all the way from Ndola to come and support us. Some have come from Lusaka. I saw some from Lusaka. We thank you for the support,” Mwila said.
“The 12th player is very important, especially when you are playing away. Just your presence gives the team morale. Thank you very much. Keep supporting us.”
The victory leaves ZESCO Ndola Girls top of Stream A with nine points, having maintained a perfect start to their transitional league campaign.
Mwila’s side will now look to extend that run against Leopards, with the coach demanding the same discipline, commitment and fighting spirit as they seek to preserve their place at the summit.
