Zesco, Power Chase Zoom Charity Shield

Zesco United and Power Dynamos clash on Saturday in the season opening charity Shield final at Kafubu Stadium in Luanshya.

The meeting will be the second between these two Copperbelt giants since December 6 when Zesco beat Power 1-0 in the final Barclays cup final played.

Saturdays match will be power coach Mohamed Fathy’s second successive Charity Shield final appearance after guiding Kabwe warriors to the 2008 final that his side lost 2-1 to Green Buffaloes.

Warriors were leading 1-0 thanks to a 48th minute goal from ex-striker Emmanuel Mayuka before Buffaloes snatched an 89th minute Wilson Mutupa late equalizer to force the match into extra time that the army men won 2-1 courtesy of a Morgan Hanjema goal.

While, being modest about Power’s chances, Fathy says he is hoping one minute will not make the difference between him and the trophy this season.

“This year am at a different team and different players and I hope for something better,” the Egyptian born coach said.

“Last year there was one minute between me and the Charity Shield.”

Fathy meanwhile is keeping his cards close to his chest about his line-up though Luka Lungu is sure to future prominently in midfield in the absence of Kennedy Mudenda who is at the CHAN tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.

And Zesco will be looking forward for a positive result to take into  next weekends Caf Africa Champions League first round first leg away match against Africa Sports next week.