Zesco target two more international friendlies before CAF date
Zesco United was in Tanzania on Sunday, where they drew with hosts Azam FC in a friendly, but coach Mumamba Numba wants two more international warm-ups while they await September’s outcome of the Royal AM-Mbabane Highlanders tie.
The Zambian side fine-tuned for October’s CAF Confederation Cup second round date against either PSL club Royal AM or Highlanders of Eswatini with a 0-0 draw against Tanzania’s representatives in the same competition.
Sunday’s match was Zesco’s first international pre-season friendly following a diet of local warm-ups ahead of the start of not only their continental obligations but also the 2022/2023 FAZ Super League that kicks off on August 20.
“Of course, this is what we expected as we start the CAF games. It was a good platform for us to come and assess our team, and I think we have done very well,” Numba said in a post-match interview in Dar es Salaam.
“We can only hope that we can have another international friendly match since we have time to prepare.
“I think it would be better for us if we can have one or two international friendly matches, then we will be set for the Confederation Cup.”
Zesco will be away in the first leg against Royal AM or Highlanders during the weekend of October 7-9 and home on October 15 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The Durban outfit, who are under the ownership of businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize, are at an advantage, having already played three league games this season. They started the season with a morale-boosting 1-0 over Kaizer Chiefs before beating Chippa United 3-0.
Over the weekend, they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Stellenbosch in Cape Town. By the time they play in the CAF Confederation Cup, they would have played eight league games against teams whose leagues are yet to kick off.
Meanwhile, Zesco returns to Zambia on Monday after the one-match invitation from Azam.