Could this turn out to be third time unlucky for Zesco United? In a space of five years the team from Ndola dubbed in some many acronyms, depending which mood you are in. Sometimes called Team Ya Ziko, or Zegalacticos or Zega Mambo or Team Zega. Will need to negotiate their passage with another South African outfit in the gruesome African Safari.

South African Ghost for Zesco United

First it was Mamelodi Sundowns then came Supersport United. Both these sides eliminated Zesco United and the gods seemingly are asking the same question for the third time. Is Zesco United strong enough to beat any South African side?

It’s a myth the electricity powering boys would want to discard but that can only be done over 180 minutes of playing time. And potentially with extra time and the dreaded penalty shoot out.

But who are they hosting this time around? It’s the boys dubbed as one of the Soweto Giants. Kaizer Chiefs. The team is nicknamed Amakhosi which means “Lords” or “chiefs” in Zulu, and the “Phefeni Glamour Boys”.

Teams formed around the same time

Interestingly both teams were formed in the 1970s, with Zesco being born in 1974 and Chiefs four years earlier.

In CAF , Zesco United is favorite

Recent participation in the continental football should put Zesco United miles ahead of their visitors. But can that be transformed onto the field of play?

Zesco United need to win by a conformable scoreline at home. Any slender margin could pose a threat to them in the return match. Team ya Ziko need to predemoralise the Amakhosi fans. As there is huge chance that in the return leg the fans could suffocate the giant FNB stadium. Zambian fans should look into that if they want this team to progress. The 12th player influence will be key.

Chiefs not in good form

Chiefs are not in the best of form. But that actually makes them more wounded. This past weekend they lost to South Africa league defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns via a 2 – 1 scoreline. It’s not the perfect preparation for the upcoming big encounter. Is their ego at its lowest. Football is funny sport and Zesco should never read so much into that.

It will be proper to say Zesco overly respected TP Mazembe and saw them getting demotion to a lesser influential league in the continent. That’s the biggest lesson for Zesco United coming into this game.

What a present though! From one giant to another. You never get opportunities like that coming easily.

Zambian league, is on a break. Only starting towards the end of the month. But South African league has been on a hiatus. Though Chiefs had what one would describe as top end prepatory match. This shouldn’t be a disadvantage for Zesco United as they have prepared enough for this one.

Chiefs are currently sitting 8th on the ABSA Premiership table. Having played 16 matches, won 5 times, drew 6 and have gone on to lose 5 matches. Along the way scoring 18 times and conceding 15. This is a nice indicator for Zesco. That though Chiefs can score, they are not as stubborn at the back.

Fans will be key

Levy Mwanawasa Stadium almost a fortress for Zesco is the setting for the big match. The Zesco fans should come in numbers. And lift the team up. Traveling to Johannesburg South Africa in return leg will be brutal.

As we have said in the past, Levy is home and it is dependent on what the players do on the pitch but fans will actually make it home should they turn up in big numbers and they should.

Levyishome