On Sunday, Zesco United begin their continental campaign when they take on Zamalek in their opening CAF Confederation Cup Group D fixture at Cairo International Stadium.

Zesco will be seeking a strong start as they aim to progress beyond the group stage. Kaizer Chiefs and Al Masry are also in the same group.

Head coach Emmanuel Siwale, who is leading the Ndola-based side into the group stage for the first time in his tenure, says the match will be a crucial measure of how far the club can go in the competition.

“I’m happy not only for myself but for Zesco as a team because playing in the CAF group stage is something we wanted,” Siwale said. “The work has started, and we have to get a positive result.”

Siwale believes Zesco deserves to be among Africa’s elite and says facing a continental powerhouse is part of the growth journey.

“My target is to go as far as we can because this is where Zesco belongs. Now we have to gauge ourselves—where we are as a team—because football has evolved, and we shouldn’t lag behind,” he said.

“My players are eager” Siwale.

The coach also welcomed comparisons to Zesco’s iconic 2016 and 2019 sides but insists the current squad must write its own history.

He said. “Most of them are here for the first time, and going forward this will help us.”

Siwale says playing at the iconic Cairo International Stadium will motivate his emerging squad.

“That is what I want my players to experience; it will even motivate them. They are eager and well prepared.”

With Zesco carrying Zambia’s hopes on the continental stage, Siwale called on fans to rally behind the team.

“We urge everyone to support us through and through. They’ve helped us get this far; we need them more than ever.”

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