The pleasantries are over. Speaking ahead of this afternoon’s high-stakes CAF Confederation Cup encounter at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Zesco United head coach Mathews Ndhlovu has made his intentions crystal clear: Zesco are tired of losing, and they view Kaizer Chiefs as the ultimate turning point for their season.
“In the group we are in, we have gone two games without winning… so it is high time for us that we collect some three points as we play Kaizer Chiefs at home,” Ndhlovu stated. “We respect Kaizer Chiefs, they have their history to protect. Well, even us at Zesco, we’ve got our history as well to build on.”
Why This Match is a Pressure Cooker
- The Zero-Point Crisis: Zesco United currently sit at the bottom of Group D with zero points after losses to Al Masry and Zamalek. This is quite literally their last chance to keep the quarter-final dream alive.
- The “Customer” Narrative: Zesco CEO Kelvin Mutafu recently stirred the pot by calling Kaizer Chiefs a “regular customer” of Zesco, referring to the Zambian side’s 5-2 aggregate dominance over Amakhosi in 2019. Ndhlovu is looking to channel that historical confidence today.
- Chiefs’ Desperation: Kaizer Chiefs aren’t comfortable either. With only 1 point from their opening two games, an Amakhosi loss today would likely mean they have to win all three remaining games to qualify.
Team News & Tactics
- Zesco United: Ndhlovu has confirmed his squad is “intact” and has focused on clinical finishing this week to avoid the “missed chances” that cost them against the Egyptian giants.
- Kaizer Chiefs: Amakhosi arrive in Ndola without key defender Rushwin Dortley and several other stars like Gaston Sirino and Etiosa Ighodaro, placing massive pressure on the younger “DDC” graduates to step up in a hostile environment
