FLORENCE MWALE, ROBINSON KUNDA – Lusaka
COACH George Lwandamina is upbeat Zesco United will overcome Mbabane Swallows in the CAF Champions League preliminary round return leg in Ndola.
And Swallows coach Mandla ‘Sitofu’ Dlamini said Zesco’s journey in the Champions League will end on February 28.
Lwandamina said in an interview from Mbabane on Sunday that Swallows will be punished when they visit Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
“No doubt we will qualify to the first round,” Lwandamina said.
He said the technical bench will work on the flaws identified during Sunday’s match at Somhlolo National Stadium in Mbabane.
A 1-1 draw in the return leg will see Zesco progressing to the next round to face either Guinea’s AS Kaloum or Sewe Sport of Ivory Coast.
Lwandamina is also disappointed that Lesotho referee Sentso Mohau aided Swallows’ equaliser.
He said bias officiating could destroy African football if left unchecked.
Swallows striker Felix Badenhorst’s header hit the crossbar and rolled into play and Jackson Mwanza cleared the ball but Mohau blew for a goal.
Zesco, who returned home yesterday, face Nkana in the Samuel ‘Zoom’ Ndhlovu Charity Shield semi-final on Saturday at Kitwe’s Arthur Davies Stadium.
Delegation leader Boniface Mwamelo implored Zesco to remain focused.
Mwamelo, who is also Football Association of Zambia vice-president, said Zesco’s performance was outstanding and Swallows were lucky to force a draw.
He is confident Zesco will beat Swallows.
And Dlamini was happy with the result.
He said Zesco were not a strong team and is certain of victory in Ndola.
Dlamini said despite conceding at home, his players could get a goal or two in Zambia.