Zambia’s Zesco United have given an update on striker Austin Muwowo and goalkeeper Mwenya Chibwe‘s absence from Saturday’s 2022/2023 FAZ Super League Week One away assignment against Prison Leopards.
The nine-time Zambian champions and last season’s runners-up began their campaign on August 20 with a 1-1 draw against Prison at Presidents Stadium in Kabwe.
But missing from the trip were Muwowo and Chibwe, who arrived at Zesco in the pre-season from the PSL.
“Chibwe is still recovering and last week participated in light training. We hope he gets back to fitness as soon as possible,” Zesco media manager Desmond Katongo told FARPost.
Chibwe joined Zesco as a free agent following his January release by Baroka FC. However, Chibwe suffered an injury while on Chipolopolo Zambia duty at the 2022 COSAFA Cup held in Durban in July that has kept him out of action ever since.
Meanwhile, Muwowo’s match fitness issues are still a concern since he also joined Zesco on a free transfer in early August at the end of his three-year stay at Orlando Pirates.
“Muwowo is making a lot of progress and a week ago played some part in our goalless friendly away in Tanzania against Azam,” Katongo said.
And Zesco’s Ndola rivals Forest Rangers, who also have some Mzansi flavour, were in Week 1 action on Saturday at home, where they played out to a 0-0 result against Kansanshi Dynamos.
Ex-Free State Stars midfielder Mpho Mathekgane started the match before he was substituted in the 56th minute.
His clubmate and former Jomo Cosmos and Zambia winger Clifford Mulenga was an unused substitute in that match.
Last season, Red Arrows piped the nine-time champions to the league title. Zesco, who started off the season with a Charity Shield triumph, would want to reclaim the title come end of the season.
