Chirundu United head coach Carston Chilekwa has brushed off comments made by Numba Mumamba, insisting results—not opinions—are what ultimately matter after his side knocked ZANACO FC out of the 2026 ABSA Cup.
“We need to respect each and everyone’s opinion,” Chilekwa said. “But at the end of the day, it’s the points which count. No matter how much you play the possession and miss chances, what is more important are the goals. So that’s his own opinion.”
Chirundu, nicknamed the Border Boys, underlined that point with a disciplined display, sealing a 1-0 quarter-final victory courtesy of Darius Phiri’s 25th-minute strike at Arthur Davies Stadium.
Chilekwa reserved praise for his players and technical staff, crediting their progress in the competition to collective effort rather than circumstance.
“First and foremost, I congratulate the boys for the hard work and the technical bench as well. It’s not just by the way—it’s through hard work,” he said.
“If we continue working hard and doing what we did today, I think we can push up to the final.”
Chirundu’s run has turned heads. They have now eliminated two top-flight sides, including Kabwe Warriors in the previous round, to emerge as one of the competition’s surprise packages.
Attention now shifts to a semi-final showdown against Red Arrows FC, who booked their place with a commanding 4-1 win over Play It Forward.
Beyond the cup, Chirundu remain firmly in the promotion race in the ZPL Men’s National League, where they sit fifth.
“Yes, we are still in contention and the race is still on,” Chilekwa said. “It’s just a matter of preparing differently because league games and cup games are different ball games.”
With the ABSA Cup winner earning a place in the CAF Confederation Cup, Chilekwa acknowledged the scale of the opportunity ahead.
“It is possible. If we win, yes, we will represent the country.”
