By Precious Bwale
Newly promoted Roan United have taken encouragement from their performance despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Power Dynamos in a friendly at Arthur Davies Stadium on Thursday.
The match provided a valuable test for Roan as they prepare to return to the Zambian Super League for the first time in 12 years.
Roan coach Satchmo Chakawa was pleased with how his young side competed against an experienced Power Dynamos team, particularly in the opening half.
“I thought we did well, especially in the first half. We attacked, we were there,” Chakawa said.
The coach attributed the only goal of the match to a defensive error, but believes the mistake will serve as a valuable lesson ahead of the new season.
“You could see by the goal we allowed. It was just an error, and they got the ball and scored. Hopefully we will learn from that goal in this league. They will punish us if we make such mistakes.”
Chakawa was particularly encouraged by the way his young players handled the challenge posed by Power Dynamos, who are preparing for CAF Champions League football.
“It was a tough game against a very experienced side. These guys are top guys. They are playing CAF Champions League, and my boys have done well today.”
Roan are operating on a limited budget and Chakawa says the club is taking a measured approach to strengthening the squad, focusing on players they can sustain throughout the campaign.
“At the moment we are working on a small budget, and we know where we are. We can’t bring in players we can’t manage. We are bringing in players who we know will be able to manage throughout the season.”
After 12 years away from the top flight, Roan face the challenge of catching up with a division that has continued to evolve in their absence.
For Chakawa, the immediate priority is clear: survival.
“At the moment we are trying to close the gap of 12 years, which is not easy. These teams have developed since 12 years ago, and we are trying to catch up. It will be difficult, but our target is just to survive relegation, then we will see what next.”
While the result offered little reward, Roan’s performance against one of the country’s more established sides provides the newly promoted club with valuable encouragement as they prepare for life back in the Super League.
