Zanaco FC head coach Mumamba Numba has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness ahead of their 2026 Absa Cup quarterfinal encounter against Chirundu United, to be played at Kitwe’s Arthur Davies Stadium.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Coach Numba said Zanaco’s participation in this year’s Absa Cup has injected renewed motivation into the squad.
“Coming back into this competition has given us motivation. We respect the team we are playing because football is played on the pitch. We have done our preparations, the team is ready, and all we need is to work hard on the pitch.” Numba said.
Reflecting on Zanaco’s hard-fought Round of 16 victory, Coach Numba admitted that complacency nearly proved costly but noted that the experience has provided an important lesson for his side as they progress deeper into the tournament.
“It wasn’t easy for us,” he said. “We noticed some complacency, thinking the game was already won, and that made it difficult. But the most important thing is that we managed to qualify to this stage.”
With the fixture being played away from Lusaka, both the coach and captain have urged Zanaco supporters to turn up in large numbers and rally behind the team, stressing the importance of fan support in knockout football.
“We urge our supporters to come in numbers and give us that support so the team remains motivated,” Numba said.
Zanaco will face a determined Chirundu United side, who compete in the National League, with the quarterfinal match scheduled to kick off at 12:30.
Team captain and goalkeeper Lameck Siame said the squad is fully focused on the task at hand, revealing that the players have carefully studied their opponents and are determined not to give them room to play.
“We have watched them and we respect them,but we want to win this game, and we will do our best.” Siame said. “
Captain Siame, who will also be tasked with guarding the goal, expressed confidence that Zanaco have what it takes to advance beyond the quarterfinal stage.
“We shall win this game.” he said.
Zanaco will take on Chirundu United in the early kickoff of the 2026 Absa Cup quarterfinals, with a place in the semifinals at stake as the Bankers look to continue their impressive cup run.
