Zambian coach Beston Chambeshi has urged Power Dynamos and ZESCO United to ensure thorough preparation and strengthen their squads ahead of their participation in next season’s CAF Interclub competitions.

Power Dynamos, as league champions, will represent Zambia in the CAF Champions League, while ZESCO United returns to the CAF Confederation Cup.

Chambeshi, who previously guided Nkana to the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup, is currently head coach of Konkola Blades. The Chililabombwe-based side secured promotion to the Super League after topping the ZPL National League.

“These are the best teams at the moment“- Chambeshi

In an interview, Chambeshi stressed the importance of early and effective preparation for the two clubs, emphasizing the need for reinforcements.

“I think these are the best teams at the moment – Power Dynamos and Zesco United. They are big teams, and all I can say is, you know, in this tournament, especially CAF competitions, it’s about preparation,” he stated.

“You prepare well, and I’ve seen the teams, Power and Zesco; they have to beef up their teams. It’s not an effortless tournament now. We have seen how teams like Mamelodi Sundowns are performing. So, they have to up their game.”

Chambeshi added that exposure to high-level opposition could boost the teams’ chances of progressing in the competitions.

“All they need is to prepare very well. Play international friendly games against maybe one or two North African clubs. You can play the game against clubs from Morocco or Egypt if possible because those African countries have developed a lot in terms of playing continental football. So, we need that exposure for our players,” he said.

He also pointed out the challenge Zambian teams face in acquiring top-quality talent, noting that greater financial investment is key to improving performance on the continental stage.

“If the Sundowns can go as far as Brazil, we just get players from our neighbouring countries; I haven’t seen much of a difference. So, it’s better we go far. Because football is about spending. You cannot expect a team to perform well when you haven’t invested a lot. So, I think we should look at that area,” Chambeshi concluded.

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