Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Mathews Nkowani @ SS com
Zesco United begin the defence of their Barclays Cup crown on Sunday when they face Kabwe Warriors in the quarterfinals at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
Zesco are gunning for an unprecedented fifth Barclays Cup title while coach George Lwandamina is hoping to set a new record as the only trainer to have won it three successive times.
Lwandamina won his first with Red Arrows in 2013 before ‘retaining’ it when he moved to Zesco last term when he also lifted the league title.
A double is also in offing this season for Zesco who currently lead the Super League log.
Lwandamina said he will not take Warriors, who are currently battling to return to the Super League for the 2016 season following their demotion in 2013, lightly.
“They (Warriors) are no weak opponents and for them to reach this far it means they are a good side as well,” Lwandamina said.
Warriors qualified for the Barclays Cup after finishing top at the mid-season point of Division 1 South league in July and head into their quarterfinal match on a high after beating City of Lusaka 2-0 in the big Midlands derby last Sunday.
“So we have to prepare well so that we advance to the next round,” Lwandamina said.
“We cannot do it by word of mouth. It won’t be easy we have to win it on the pitch.”
Lwandamina will be banking on his prolific duo of Winston Kalengo and Jackson Mwanza who scored 13 and 8 league goals this season respectively for Zesco who have not failed to advance to the semifinals since 2009.