Nkana FC coach Mwenya Chipepo has backed Idris Mbombo, Clement Mwape, and Harrison Chisala to be mentally ready for Saturday’s ABSA Cup semifinal against Zesco United despite their detention earlier in the week.

On Wednesday, the Zambia Police on the Copperbelt confirmed that the trio was briefly detained after being reported for damaging the locking system of the referee’s dressing room at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium during the Kitwe derby.

The players were released on bond.

Chipepo has confirmed that the players are in the race to be picked for selection against Zesco in what is Nkana’s biggest match of the season.

“They [trio] missed training. They only trained yesterday, but as coaches we have psyched them, and even today [Friday] we are going to sit down with them, and they will be ready; they are senior players,” Chipepo said.

Chipepo anticipates tough game; Siwale rubbishes home advantage

On the game, he expects a tough game because Zesco has done so well this season.

“Zesco United have been doing so well. If you look at Nkana and how we have performed in the last four years we haven’t done well, but we are in the process of rebuilding the team.

“The game is going to be difficult because Zesco at the moment are on top of us. It means they are a good side. It won’t be easy, but we are looking forward to making sure that we reach the finals,” Chipepo said.

Nkana will be looking to avoid a third straight defeat to Zesco this season, having already lost twice to the Ndola side in the league.

Meanwhile, the Zesco coach, Emmanuel Siwale, has played down any home advantage talk for the game, which will be hosted at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

“I think Levy is not our home ground because everyone uses it and it doesn’t put us at an advantage… I am expecting a very tough match, especially because Nkana is a big team,” Siwale said.

READ MORE: “I will Leave FAZ Better Than I Found it” – Kamanga