Bruce Mwape faces his first big international test as Nchanga Rangers coach when the Chingola side plays DR Congo club Lupopo in Lubumbashi on Friday in the Orange Caf Confederation Cup first round, first leg tie.
In 2000, Mwape was part of the bench in Rangers last appearance in a Caf club competition when they reached the quarterfinals of the Caf Cup, the forerunner to the Caf Confederation Cup.
Mwape was then assistant to Fordson Kabole during a campaign whose major highlight saw Rangers eliminate Kaizer Chiefs in the second round in a team that had one Doctor Khumalo in the line-up and heading for retirement and Jabu Pule on his way to brief stardom.
This time around, Rangers will jump straight into the thick of action after sailing through from the preliminary stage via a bye following the withdrawal of their initial stage opponents Highlanders of Zimbabwe due to logistical problems.
Lupopo were on an automatic bye from the preliminary stage.
Meanwhile back home in the Orange Caf Champions League, Zesco Uniteds’ first round, first leg opponents Young Buffaloes of Swaziland are due to arrive in Ndola late on Thursday evening.
This is after taking a transcontinental overland journey from Manzini to Ndola for the first round match scheduled for Saturday at Trade Fair Grounds in Ndola.
Twalabanaya bangwele………wish you all the best…
Rangers have on top of their game. Lupopo are no walk overs. They give TP Mazembe one hell of a run in the congolese league.
Nchange should work hard and win or force a draw inLubumbashi as they take on Lupopo. Its a very formidable side in DR Congo. I remember watching them when i was young during the early 1970’s thats time when Zairean football was ats its highest. As for Zesco United they should not underate Young Baffoloes as these days anything can happen. I urge the playsers and technical bench to take advantage of home ground or else they will be made to shallow their pride. Go boys GO and WIN. Wish our teams the best results.
Go Brave Rangers goaaaaaaal! Aim for a pozitive rezult and nothing else. And Zesco go on and do Zambia proud once again.
Anybody with Brave Rangers newz yapa Congo DR?