ZESCO UNITED FACE AIRMEN ON D-DAY

Planet Earth has undergone turbulent times. Seismic moments that have drastically changed the course of both our history and future. From the great depression of the 1930s to the outbreak of great pandemics such as HIV/AIDS, Smallpox, Malaria, and the 2003 SARS.

2020 has yet again highlighted to us Mother Earth’s unfailing ability to show her darkest side.

This is a year of fine margins between life and death. The outbreak of the great pandemic, COVID-19 has pierced through and turned our daily social activities upside down, claiming millions of lives in the process.

However, even in the darkest hours, life has to be celebrated and enjoyed. Today ZESCO United coach, George Lwandamina turned 57.

With the Zambian FAZ/MTN Super League coming to a premature close on Thursday, August 6, following the surge in coronavirus cases among participating teams, Lwandamina had one fine moment to share a cake with his technical staff and players.

The joyous moment happened minutes after a rigorous training session ahead of a very crucial fixture against a tricky Red Arrows side to be played at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium.

ZESCO United finds itself in a swim or sink situation as the Super League Champions aim to finish in the top four of the FAZ/MTN Super League to be guaranteed a place either in the CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup.

NAPSA Stars currently lead the table with 48 points, while second-placed Nkana has 47 points and already guaranteed three  points as a result of Nakambala’s inability to finish its remaining games.

Defending champions, ZESCO United is in the third position with 46 points just ahead of their cross-town rivals Forest Rangers who also have 46 points but behind on goal difference.

Zanaco and Green Eagles sit on fifth and sixth positions respectively with both sharing 45 points.

The race for the top four has never been this exciting with Napsa Stars guaranteed of winning the 2019/2020 Super League title provided they beat Forest Rangers in a crucial away fixture to be played at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.

ZESCO United will not take Red Arrows for granted when the two sides clash at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium.

“We are greatly disappointed by our failure to win the title. The prevailing circumstances are beyond our control. The season has been stopped owing to coronavirus which has affected everyone. It’s difficult at this moment to point fingers at each other.

I am sure even the organizers are overwhelmed by what has happened. Our focus now is to get a continental slot but that will only be possible if we beat Red Arrows tomorrow,” Jacob Banda said.

The ZESCO United goalkeeper has also appealed to fans across the country to continue supporting the team.

“They were expecting a lot from us and we were also working hard to make sure that we make them happy again. Unfortunately, things have happened differently, beyond anybody’s expectations.

I think everyone here knows what is expected of us as such we will go back to the drawing board and work towards returning the title next season.”

ZESCO United coach George Lwandamina will be expecting not less than three points when the champions meet Red Arrows.

Qualification for either CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup will be a great icing on Lwandamina’s cake.

Author: Desmond Katongo