ZESCO United Football Club Team Ya Ziko
Kenyan international and ZESCO United shot stopper, Ian Otieno says Sunday’s Samuel ‘Zoom’ Ndhlovu Charity Shield final triumph will give the league defending champions confidence ahead of the CAF champions league encounter against Royal Leopards of Eswatini.
ZESCO United thrashed Lusaka Dynamos 4-0 to be crowned 2021 Charity Shield winners for the fifth time.
“Personally, I am super excited because this was more like a revenge game. It has given us the momentum going into the new football season and CAF champions league campaign. These are positive signs for us as we plan for the upcoming fixtures,” he said.
Otieno has further hyped praise on the clubs’ new recruits who made their debut during Saturdays win.
“The new guys have a lot of quality in them. This victory will give them extra reason to work hard. They came in and made a big difference in the match. Edward Lungu came in and scored a goal. It is not easy to play for a big club like ZESCO United. However, it is pleasing that the lads have come in and shown that they can deliver.”
There is confidence especially that we are able to score goals and defend very well as a team.”
The Kenyan international goalkeeper expects a lot of competition in the team ahead of the new football season.
“There are some players who are out on international duty. The new guys who have come in did their work very well. This is good for competition because everyone will work hard in order to win a place in the first eleven. This is good for the team.”
Meanwhile ZESCO United head coach, Numba Mumamba expects his charges to build on Saturday’s victory.
“We expected to win but not with this kind margin. The team has shown a lot of character in this game. This is a game in which we were trying to assess how ready we are with our match fitness. There is some improvement in that regard which we feel the team will perfect in the remaining few days.”
Mumamba has congratulated former Kitwe United winger, Edward Lungu for scoring his debut goal for the Ndola based league giants.
“This is great motivation for Edward. That goal will give him a lot of confidence as a young player who just made a move from a small team to a big side. The young players have done a commendable job. It is our hope that they keep working hard.”
ZESCO United will next week open their account in the 2021/22 CAF Champions League preliminary round encounter when they face Royal Leopards of Eswatin on Saturday, 11 September.
Author: Desmond Katongo
