Zanaco get set for one of their biggest matches in their CAF participation when they host 1995 champions Orlando Pirates in a much anticipated regional derby.
The Bankers host Pirates at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka in a CAF Champions League first round, first leg game.
Zanaco coach Keagan Mumba says the match is a matter of national pride against Pirates who are unbeaten against Zambian opposition since ejected Mufulira Wanderers 2-1 on aggregate in the second round of the 1996 Champions League.
“We are receiving so many coaches giving us advice like (Boniface) Simutowe, Fred Nasilele it is the country we are representing,” Mumba said.
“We are ready, we know the pedigree of Pirates.”
A home defeat for Zanaco will see them join Power Dynamos in the hall of shame who are currently the only Zambian team to lose at home to South African opposition in CAF club cup competition.
Meanwhile, Mumba has two absentees heading into the game with key defender Kunda Mushota injured while midfielder Maonga Kabuku is serving a suspension after accruing two yellow cards in the preliminary round.
The spotlight will fall on defender Ziyo Tembo who has looked authoritative in recent games alongside Mushota at the back as he gets ready to face Pirates striker Takesure Chinyama who has scored five goals in the competition so far.
Meanwhile, there is much anticipation as to whether Roger De Sa will gamble on playing Collins Mbesuma in front of his home fans after not seeing any action in the preliminary round.
Winner over both legs will face winner of Saturdays other first round tie involving TP Mazembe and Mochudi Centre Chiefs in the second round on April 20.
Those zanaco injured players are not a factor in zambian football, also zanaco is not representing zambia u are representing yourself. That useless stadium nkoloma is a shame to the soccer fraternity, i wish pirates pipes zanaco 11-0
Everytime I watch South African soccer I can’t seem to understand their system of play. To me Pirates is just another South African group of football players who are more determined than skilled. They are very tenacious and appear to get stronger and the game progresses. So, whenever Zanaco spots weaknesses and get a scoring opportunity, they should just pump in every bit of it. There should be no “Winning Ichungulo” coz it could be suicidal.
Good luck sensational Zanaco! Be sensational and the rest will take care of itself..
Take advantage of your home Ground by winning the game,Henry and Rodrick
Provide them with nice set pieces like you always do.Sensational for Life.Bravo
But chachine ama clubs pa SA system of playing is not understood though they are tough at times.be your self zanaco and carry this day.
Go into the game with confidence.. Playing tactics are only meant to intertain fans.. The most important thing is to win the match although you may play badly, if you win that’s all. You get the merit.. go go bankers 🙂
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