Newly promoted Chipata United head coach Esau Chalo Zulu has said the club has started working on new acquisitions ahead of their maiden National Division One League campaign.
Chipata United became the first team from Eastern Province to secure promotion to the second tier of Zambian football after beating Livingstone Pirates in a play-off last week. The two sides battled to a 1-1 draw before the Lions went on to win 5-4 on penalties.
Zulu tells Bola News that the plan to reinforce the squad is necessary because the team will be playing in a new level of competition.
“The plan is to reinforce the squad. This is high-level football, and we need the team to easily adapt to the new league,” he said. “We really have to encourage them not to fear any opponent that we will be facing.”
Zulu revealed he has already started talking to experienced players from Eastern Province and outside the country.
“The team will be beefed up because I’m talking to players outside Eastern Province and even outside of Zambia. It will be cardinal to get experienced players,” he said.
Zulu wants Chipata United to remain in the National Division
The gaffer, who is also one of the sponsors of the community club, adds that the aim of the team will be to survive relegation in their maiden appearance. He has not ruled out the possibility of finishing inside the top four.
“As for now, I am trying to build a team that can survive relegation and try by all means to fight for the top 4 finish.”
Zulu believes the team needs “more minds on the [technical] bench.
“New ideas from different coaches are important as long as they also have one goal with us, which is to keep this slot for Eastern Province,” he stated.
“This is the time for the players to show and sell themselves because my aim is to see them playing for bigger clubs in the near future.”
“This achievement is a plus and a dream come true for me. I’ve been working hard for this by investing without hesitation. Now that we have qualified, the community is happy, and I’m happy too, including the entire province.”
Chipata United will open their National Division One League campaign against Young Green Buffaloes.
