ZESCO United Football Club Team Ya Ziko
Last season, ZESCO United bruised and humiliated Buildcon 2-7 in the last match of the 2020/21 FAZ/MTN season to be crowned Zambian Super League champions for the ninth time.
The 2-7 drubbing of Buildcon completed a double for ZESCO United who had earlier in the season humbled the former by a 3-1 score line.
Today two sides clash for the first time this campaign with ZESCO United dying for a crucial victory in a season that is so far proving highly competitive.
ZESCO United will come into this afternoon’s match having picked a crucial point at home against Forest Rangers in the famous Ndola derby.
The champions will have their tales up following their recent improved performance against their fiercest rivals and neighbors who have proved untamable in the last 5-years.
With next year’s Absa cup places up for grabs, ZESCO United will be aware of the consequences of dropping points in a league that is proving to be a cagey affair.
Today’s match may just prove to be a crucial panacea for the nine times Zambian League champions who have only won once in their last six games.
ZESCO United Head coach Numba Mumamba will be delighted to have a fully fit squad ahead of Sunday’s clash.
The champions avoided a midweek fixture against Prison Leopards following the Associations decision to reschedule the encounter to a later date.
This breather gave Mumamba’s side enough time to boost and oil their transformers ahead of Sundays game.
ZESCO United have very little to worry about in the goalkeeping department with both Ian Otieno and Gregory Sanjase jostling for a spot between the sticks.
Mumamba’s backline has come back to life once again with the return of Green Buffaloes defender Adrian Chama.
The Zambian army hardened defender ensured that there was law and order at the back when ZESCO United came head to head with Forest Rangers
Chama is likely to be supported by Simon Silwimba, John Chishimba, and Solomon Sakala provided the trio met Mumamba’s expectations last Sunday.
Napsa Stars captain Dickson Chapa will most likely make a return to the field having completed his two-match ban.
Chapa is likely to have some competition for the holding midfield role with Donashano ‘Ichamilando’ Malama hoping to build on his last performance against Forest Rangers.
In the middle of the park, the gaffer may decide to breathe some life in the team with more agile legs.
Chanda Mukuka, and Edward ‘Mosquito’ Lungu will be breathing down on Mumamba’s neck as the latter assembles his plan of attack.
A combination of youth and experience may just be what Mumamba settles for with Thabani Kamusoko, John Chingandu and Tafadzwa Rusike in the mix.
Spencer Sautu is a pure fighter. The Green Eagles striker will bring pace and massive agility upfront.
Sautu will perhaps be supported by Jesse Jackson Were and the club’s veteran sticker Winstone Kalengo.
ZESCO United will be buoyed to win today’s encounter having beaten Buildcon home and away in the last league edition.
Zambian league champions, ZESCO United will today face Buildcon in the MTN Super League week 13 game scheduled for the Levy Mwanawasa stadium, Ndola.
Author: Desmond Katongo
