Zesco United officially kickoff their 2017 campaign on Friday with a CAF Confederation Cup date against Le Messager Ngozi of Burundi.
Friday’s first round, first leg match at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndoa will see Zesco face their debut opponent from Burundi in continental club competition.
Zesco enjoyed a preliminary bye on the competition while Ngozi advanced to their date with the Ndola club after ejecting KVZ of Zanzibar 4-3 on aggregate after overturning a 2-1 first leg away loss to book their trip to Ndola.
The game will also mark new Zesco boss Zlatko Krmpotic first competitive game in charge.
“I want my players to make sure they win both the home and away games,” the Serbian-born Krmpotic said.
“We are taking both the first and second leg games seriously.”
However, Krmpotic will be without the service of goalkeeper Jacob Banda who is serving a one match suspension for two yellow cards accrued in the 2016 CAF Champions League.
Striker Jesse Were, who has enjoyed his customary prolific form in the pre-season, will again be hoping to add to his five CAF goals in the 2016 season.
Meanwhile, Ngozi coach Momlic Medic said he respects Zesco but were in Zambia to get a favourable result to take int the return leg in Bujumbura on March 18.
“We have a very young team, Zesco are the favourites in this match but we are coming to play football and try to give the home team a hard time,” Medic said as he prepared to face his compatriot on March 10.
“We will see what we are capable of doing.”
Zescounitedfc.com
