Mwape Kasunka, head coach of Young Kansanshi United, has made a daring statement prior to the team’s inaugural participation in the ABSA Cup’s expanded format.
The 2024 ABSA Cup saw a growth from eight teams to twenty-one, with ten provincial division-one clubs participating.
Young Kansanshi earned their spot by virtue of being midway log leaders in the North-Western Province Division One League.
The draws pitted Kansanshi against Barotse Crocs of Western Province in the preliminary round. Speaking ahead of the fixture, Kasunka said that the team will be alert to Barotse Crocs’ threat.
“Qualifying for this tournament is a great privilege for my career and for Young Kansanshi United. “They are a good team in their province, and we are also a good team in ours and we are ready to face the Crocs” he said.
He added that it will not be easy to face a side they don’t know much about, but his side is aiming to impress.
“It’s the first time meeting them. Both teams do not know much about each other’s style of play. Our target is not just to participate but to compete. We are ready to face any team,” Kasunka remarked.
ABSA Cup record holders await
Kasunka is unfazed by the fact that his team will be playing at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka (24th March 2024) rather than their home field.
“As a coach and as a team, we are happy to face a team from outside our province. It’s a great privilege for everyone on the team. It’s a huge privilege, and this is what we’ve been working for,” the coach said.
READ ALSO: Keagan Phiri reacts to Nkwazi and Indeni’s ABSA Cup match.
The winner between Young Kansanshi and Barotse Crocs will face record ABSA Cup winners, ZESCO United, in the Round of 16.
