Red Arrows and Power Dynamos have been encouraged by 2012 AfCON winner, Noah Chivuta to sharpen their finishing as they begin their respective CAF interclub campaigns this weekend.
On Saturday, Red Arrows host Madagascar’s FC Rouge at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in the CAF Confederation Cup, while Power Dynamos face Sudanese giants Al-Merrikh away in Kigali, Rwanda, in the CAF Champions League.
Chivuta told Bola News that scoring goals will be crucial for the two Zambian representatives, particularly during the preliminary stages where goal difference can prove decisive.
“I’ve seen the friendlies they’ve been playing; mostly Power Dynamos and Red Arrows, they’ve been lacking to score many goals. So that’s a department that we need to improve as a nation,” Chivuta said.
He said the performances of the two clubs could have implications beyond their individual campaigns, as Zambia seeks to reclaim the two additional slots in the CAF interclub competitions.
“It’s an interesting fixture and a very, very important fixture because, like in Zambia, we are having only two spots. So these are the teams for whom we are putting our heart, mind, and effort for them to do well so that the numbers for club representation go up,” he said.
Chivuta praised the preparations undertaken by both clubs, citing friendly matches, international exposure, and training camps.
“I think the management has done all they could do to make success in these tournaments. They’ve given the teams what maybe the coaches asked. The friendlies, international friendlies, international exposures, the camps—they’ve done all those things,” he said.
However, he warned Red Arrows against underestimating FC Rouge, despite the Malagasy club making its CAF debut.
“Madagascar, the team is being like debutants quite enough. But if you follow Madagascan football now, they are on a rise very, very much,” Chivuta said.
He urged Red Arrows to win their home leg and avoid defeat away.
“At home, we have to win and go and get a draw away. That’s it,” he said.
Chivuta added that improved scoring will be essential if Zambia’s representatives are to progress deeper into the competitions.
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