Esau Chalo Zulu, the head coach of Chipata United, a team in the National Division One League of Zamba, has blamed the team’s early-season troubles in 2024–25 on a lack of sponsorship.

With 17 points, the Lions are now ranked 17th in the log standings. They have won four, drawn five, and lost nine of their eighteen league games.

Zulu told Bola News in an interview that lack of financial sponsorship has affected the team’s performance in the opening round of the season.

He is hopeful that when stakeholders sponsor the club, the team’s performance is likely to improve in the second round.

Zulu has also attributed the slow start to a lack of pre-season training.

“When we are starting the league, we don’t go for pre-season because of lack of funds. So, we always assemble the team when the season starts,” Zulu said.

“Again, the issue of sponsorship has been a challenge, looking for resources. I’ll make sure I continue to engage other stakeholders who can help to make sure that the team survives relegation.”

Zulu added that Chipata United will make a comeback in the second round by negotiating contracts to bolster the team during the January transfer window.

“The shape of the team is already done. It’s okay. I’m also pumping in other players from other clubs, especially strikers, midfielders, and even the goalkeeping position so that they help us to fight relegation,” Zulu stated.

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He further assured the club’s loyal fans that the team will fight for each match.

“That’s what I will do this coming round. Otherwise, it’s not a team that I’ll be allowing to lose games easily. In the first round, we have been losing points at home, which is not good in terms of football.”