ZESCO United head coach Mwenya Chipepo has cautioned his players against underestimating Nkwazi as the Ndola-based side prepares for Saturday’s MTN Super League Transitional Season Group B encounter at Edwin Imboela Stadium in Lusaka.
ZESCO head into the 15:00 kick-off looking to build on their emphatic 4-0 victory over Roan United as they pursue a third win of the campaign.
The former champions have collected eight points from five matches, recording two wins, two draws and one defeat to occupy second position in the Group B standings.
Despite their recent victory, Chipepo expects a difficult afternoon against a Nkwazi side that has proved to be a stubborn opponent in previous meetings.
“Another tough game. Yes, we are confident we have prepared well. We did well last year in the last game against United. There’s no easy team at the moment. This is what I can say,” Chipepo said.
“Playing an away game against Nkwazi at their home ground is going to be a very tough one. But we have prepared the team well, and we are ready for the match.”
The ZESCO tactician also acknowledged Nkwazi’s ability to frustrate his side, recalling that they failed to defeat the Lusaka outfit in their two league meetings last season, recording one defeat and one draw.
However, Chipepo believes Saturday’s encounter offers an opportunity to produce a different outcome and secure maximum points.
“No. This time around I think it’s going to be different. We’re going to have different results. Like I said earlier on, we have prepared a very good side for the game against Nkwazi,” he added.
Nkwazi enter the fixture following a goalless draw against Green Eagles and will be eager to register their first victory of the transitional season. The Lusaka-based side are yet to win after collecting three draws and suffering one defeat in their opening four matches, leaving them eighth in Group B with three points.
The head-to-head record suggests another competitive meeting, with Nkwazi having registered two victories against ZESCO’s three, while five of their last 10 encounters have ended in draws.
Meanwhile, Chipepo has praised ZESCO United supporters for their impressive turnout during the team’s recent outing in Luanshya and has called on them to continue offering their support when the team plays in Lusaka.
“It was very encouraging, and we were very happy. They gave us their support, which was very good.
“At the end of the game, we impressed them, and we gave them actually what they wanted. So my appeal to them is to continue coming in numbers so that at least we have a little player,” he said.
ZESCO United will now look to carry their recent attacking form into Saturday’s encounter, but Chipepo knows his players must deliver another disciplined performance against a Nkwazi side determined to end its winless run.
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 hours at Edwin Imboela Stadium in Lusaka.
