“This Was A Derby”: Siwale on Zesco United’s Nil-All Draw at Indeni FC
Zesco United’s title chase hit a significant bump in what was a hard-fought Ndola Derby against Indeni FC. The goalless draw, achieved at Indeni Complex on Saturday, saw the league leaders drop a valuable point and now sit at 47 points. While the result has sparked concerns among fans, interim coach Emmanuel Siwale remains focused on the journey ahead.
Siwale was candid in his post-match comments. “Yes, we have dropped points, but this was a derby, and you know what derbies can do. Like I said, this was not going to be easy; you saw how the game went—it was tough. Even then, we had scoring opportunities, especially in the first half, that we could have utilized,” he explained. Despite the missed chances—most notably, a penalty that Racheal Nachula failed to convert in the first half—Siwale believes the point is a small price to pay in such a fiercely contested fixture.
The dropped point means that should second-placed Kabwe Warriors secure a win against Green Buffaloes in Lusaka on Sunday, Zesco could slide to second place on goal difference. However, Siwale remains resolute. “This is what we got—a point—and it’s still a journey that we are walking, so we just have to get what we have. But I know we wanted the three points,” he said. By focusing on the process and the overall performance, he dismisses any notion that this draw signals a derailment of their title ambitions.
Addressing concerns over the match’s conditions, Siwale pointed out that the fixture being held at Indeni’s home ground did not provide an excuse for the lack of goals. “No, we can play anywhere; this is football, and this is what we had. It’s not an excuse because, on the same pitch, we created chances we could have scored. Had we scored, it was going to be a different story,” he stated.
As the season enters its final stretch, every point becomes crucial. Zesco United must continue to push forward, convert their chances, and maintain the intensity that has brought them to the top. The pressure is mounting, but Siwale’s measured response and focus on improvement underscore a belief that the title race is far from over.
In the high-pressure environment of a derby, Zesco United’s goalless draw with Indeni FC is a reminder of the fine margins in football. Despite the setback, Coach Siwale’s confident outlook and focus on future opportunities suggest that the team is determined to overcome this hiccup. With the possibility of Kabwe Warriors moving up on goal difference, every subsequent match will be crucial. For now, Zesco United must regroup, learn from their missed chances, and continue their quest for the title.
