Zanaco Football Club returns to ABSA Cup action tomorrow after nearly five years away, with a Round of 16 fixture against Kafue Celtic set for Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
The Bankers last featured in the competition in 2021, where they exited at the semi-final stage following a 3-0 defeat to Lusaka Dynamos.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference held at Football House this afternoon, Zanaco Assistant Coach Dabid Chilufya expressed confidence in the team’s readiness while cautioning against underestimating Celtic.
“We cannot rely on the fact that we are regarded as a big team. Kafue Celtic is a good and youthful side, and we will not underrate them. We have to go out there and compete on the pitch.’’
Zanaco will be without top scorer Eliya Mandanji and midfielder Chipo Manda, both ineligible to feature due to loan agreements with Kafue Celtic. However, Chilufya remains confident in the depth within the squad.
“Eliya Mandanji and Chipo Manda will not be available, but we have suitable replacements. Araina Lambert and Sama Lukezo are ready to step in. The players who were on national duty have also returned, and we have a full squad with no injuries.’’
Chilufya further emphasized the team’s ambition to go all the way in the competition.
“We are highly motivated and determined to fight all the way to the final. The opportunity to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup is a big incentive for us.”
Team captain Lameck Siame echoed the coach’s sentiments, stressing the importance of performance on the day.“
”Kafue Celtic is a good team and we respect them, but football is decided on the pitch. We are focused and we want to win,”
The match will kick off at 15:00 hours at Nkoloma Stadium.
