NUMBA: MAZEMBE GAVE US A GOOD TEST

ZESCO United Head Coach Mumamba Numba has commended his side for putting up a spirited performance against Congolese giants, TP Mazembe in Tuesday’s international friendly game played at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium, Ndola.

The Zambian Super League giants lost 0-1 to Mazembe in a thrilling match that left fans asking for more.

With CAF assignments in plain sight, both ZESCO United and Mazembe sought to use the friendly to gauge their preparedness for next month’s Confederation Cup and Champions League respectively.

Meanwhile Numba has described Tuesday’s friendly game as a good test for his side ahead of the CAF Confederation Cup match against Royal AM of South Africa.

“This was an exciting game and an evenly contested match. We are happy with the performance from our side. We are looking better and better in each of the games we have thus far played. This is a good sign especially that we will be playing in CAF and the local league,” he said.

ZESCO United started with Gregory Sanjase in goal while Cyril Chibwe played the last 45′ minutes of the second half.

Fackson Kapumbu bolstered the hosts backline with Simone Silwimba providing cover on the right wing.

Kenyan international and ZESCO United striker, Vincent Oburu made his first return to action after suffering from a leg injury which has kept him out of action for some time.

Numba believes the Mazembe game was a confidence booster for most of the players who have been out of action for a while.

“This match has given us a lot of confidence ahead of the CAF Confederations Cup especially when you look at the players that have played today (Tuesday). We decided to use most of the guys who haven’t been playing. What we have seen is positive because they have accounted for themselves very well.

“We didn’t expect most of them to last 90 minutes, but they showed commitment and a sign that we have a lot of competition in the team. We are heading in the right direction.”

The return of Uburu has elated the ZESCO United gaffer:” Oburu has done very well but we had to rest him at halftime to avoid any stress because he has stayed for a long period without playing.

“He has accounted for himself very well in the 45 minutes that he played. We shall keep pushing him because he is important to this team especially in CAF. We need to improve on our finishing in the final third,” Numba said.

ZESCO United will be hoping to have a bright campaign in the 2022/23 CAF Confederations after last year’s disappointing season.

“We didn’t have a good outing in CAF last season. But that is all behind us now. We must focus on this year’s campaign starting with our game against Royal AM. It is worth highlighting that we expect a tough game against them. But I believe we have the ammunition to get a positive result,” Numba added.

Author: Desmond Katongo