Shapi Shachinda, president of the Nchanga Rangers Club, says the team will not fear anyone in this year’s ABSA Cup.
Nchanga Rangers will meet either Mines United or River Plate in the round of 16 of the competition.
The 2024 ABSA Cup has been expanded to 21 teams from the previous eight. It now consists of seven FAZ Super League teams, four FAZ National Division One League teams, and ten FAZ provincial league champions.
Nchanga is leading the National Division One league table with 52 points from 25 matches played. They were also the first Division One team to qualify for this year’s ABSA Cup.
Reacting to yesterday’s draws, Shachinda said the team is ready to face any opponent in the competition.
“We have all agreed with the technical bench that the Nchanga Rangers will participate in this year’s tournament not just to make up numbers but to go all the way in a punch-for-punch style. Our technical bench and our players are equal to the task and will compete without fear,” he said.
Shachinda continued: “The ABSA Cup is an important trophy that Nchanga Rangers seek to win. ABSA and FAZ should be commended for sustaining the competition and expanding. The gesture is the right step in promoting the development of Zambian football.”
Meanwhile, this year’s ABSA Cup quarterfinals will be held on the Copperbelt on April 13th and 14th. The semi-finals will be held in Lusaka on April 27th and 28th, with the final also taking place on the Copperbelt.
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