Zanaco coach Mumamba Numba says their 2017 Charity Shield semifinal defeat at the hands of Nkana was not a setback heading into the 2017 league campaign.
The FAZ Super Division champions were beaten 3-0 in convincing fashion by Nkana on Thursday at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
Numba insisted he had used the match to give his fringe players an opportunity to play after missing out of the opening four competitive games all in the 2017 CAF Champions League.
Furthermore, Zanaco have been unconvincing competitively with three draws,one win and two goals scored prior to Thursday’s first defeat in 2017.
“I am not worried about winning the Charity Shield, that is why I changed the team. I wanted to give everyone a chance,” Numba said.
“What is important is the league and the Barclays Cup that is why we gave the give players a feel.”
Some of the new players Zanaco rolled-out were strikers Kunda Nkandu, Adamson Maluao and Zambia Under-17 attacker Damiano Kola including defender Didi Kitumbi Didi.
Meanwhile, Nkana downed Zanaco thanks to goals from Walter Bwalya, Ronald Kampamba and Joseph Musonda in the 8th, 51st and 71st minutes respectively.
Nkana will play Zesco United in Sundays final at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Zesco reached the final after they dispatched Power Dynamos 4-2 in Thursday’s other semifinal played at the same venue.
Every game counts …Mr coach! Well done Nkana
Pa ka Red!