ZESCO United vs Kaizer Chiefs: Zambian giants warn Amakhosi – ‘We’ve done our homework’

ZESCO United coach Mathews ‘Tshebeleza’ Ndhlovu has spoken of his admiration for Kaizer Chiefs but feels the South African giants are the team that they can collect points from.

Chiefs face off with the nine-time Zambian champions in their third group stage match in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday (15:00) in Ndola with both sides winless from their opening two games.

ZESCO lost 1-0 to Zamalek before a 3-2 defeat to Al Masry, both from Egypt, and head into the match looking for their first points while Chiefs have just one point after a 2-1 defeat away to Al Masry before drawing 1-1 with Zamalek at home.

That makes Sunday’s match crucial for both sides and Ndhlovu thinks this is their best chance since they are in what has been described as the ‘Group of Death.’

ZESCO United coach reveals his targets

“In the group we are in, we have gone two games without winning a game. So it is high time for us that we collect some three points as we play Kaizer Chiefs at home,” he told the media at his pre-match press conference at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

“We have done our homework and our preparations have shown that we are good to go on Sunday.”

Ndhlovu admits his team are taking on an African giant but does not feel history will determine the outcome of the match and is also counting on home support.

“We respect Kaizer Chiefs, they have got their history to protect. Well, even us at Zesco, we’ve got our history as well to build on,” he added.

What is giving Zambian side confidence?

“So we are ready for the game. It really needs to be our turning point because we need to collect maximum points at all costs. And looking at the way we are moving, we are remaining with almost six games within the group stage.”

“For us now, we have to give ourselves confidence, we need to make sure that we utilise home ground advantage by making sure that we come up with a positive result. I think the team is intact,” the tactician further stated.

Chiefs arrived in Ndoloa on Friday and were in good spirits as they went for their first training session at the match venue.

The Soweto giants have a poor head-to-head record against ZESCO as they lost both their last two meetings staged in January 2019 in this competition.