Charity Shield war begins

Wed, 14 Feb 2018 08:57:42 +0000

By GRACE CHAILE LESOETSA

ZANACO coach Mumamba Numba has relished the 2018 Samuel ‘Zoom’ Ndhlovu Charity Shield semi-final tie against Nkana saying it will be a match worth winning this season.

Numba said his team’s target was to win all the cup tournaments in 2018.

In an interview Numba however said Nkana were not minnows, therefore expected a competitive semi-final.

“Nkana is a tough opponent so we need to be well prepared for them. The target is definitely to win the Charity Shield,” he said.

He said the team will remain focused and disciplined to ensure it meets its target.

The Bankers have won the Charity Shield three times in 2001, 2003 and 2006.

Meanwhile, newly appointed NAPSA Stars Coach Linos Makwaza said the Charity Shield will be a good preparation for the team ahead of the FAZ Super League which will kick-off on March 17.

Makwaza was confident NAPSA would overcome Zesco and reach the finals of the tournament.

“These are tournaments we are supposed to compete in as we look ahead to the 2018 FAZ league. We are grateful to FAZ for allowing us to compete in this year’s Charity Shield. Our primary goal is to reach the final and then plan for the title,” he said.

And commenting on his appointment as head coach, Makwaza said he would work hard to lead NAPSA to its maiden super league title.

He thanked NAPSA executive and management for entrusting him to head a team which he said was a better side compared to last year as it consists of quality players.

Zesco beat Nkana 2-0 in the Charity Shield final at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium to grab the 2017 title.

FAZ announced yesterday that the season opening Charity Shield semi-final tie set for Nkoloma Stadium to be played on March 3 pits Zanaco against Nkana while defending champions Zesco United will take on 2017 Barclays Cup runners-up Napsa Stars.

Winners of the semi-finals will face each in a final at the same venue on March 10, a week before the start of the FAZ Super Division season.