FC Muza coach Lameck Banda has reacted to the 2023 ABSA Cup draw, which took place yesterday in Lusaka.
Headline sponsors ABSA Bank Zambia announced that they have increased the tournament’s sponsorship package to K4,400,000.
An increased prize money of K700,000 from the previous K650,000 is also up for grabs by the eight participating teams.
This year’s runners-up will receive K350,000, while the top scorer and best goalkeeper will each receive K25,000.
The player of the tournament will carry home K25,000 with the man of the match award winner for each game getting K15,000.
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Participating teams will also receive a travel grant of K30,000 for teams traveling from out of town. On the other hand, teams playing in their hometown will receive K20,000 each.
Meanwhile, Green Buffaloes FC were drawn against Forest Rangers while Super League leaders, Power Dynamos, will face National Division One side, Mufulira Wanderers.
Green Eagles will battle Solwezi’s Trident FC and last year’s runners-up, Red Arrows, will clash with FC MUZA.
FC MUZA COACH REACTS
Reacting to the draw, FC MUZA coach Lameck Banda stated that his team was prepared to face any team in the competition.
In an exclusive interview with BolaNews, Banda said that his team’s goal is to win the ABSA Cup.
“I think it’s an interesting draw, and for us, we were ready for any team, because we know that each and every team that qualified is competitive enough,” he said.
“We are in it to compete. So we are aiming for the trophy because we are not just going to participate but grab the cup.”
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The coach added that despite Red Arrows being an experienced side, his team is equal to the task.
“Like I earlier said, we are there to compete; yes, they are experienced and they have experienced players, but I think even our boys have gained enough experience to play any other team in the league.
“So going into the ABSA Cup competition, the experience won’t matter much because it’s all about being competitive at the end of the day,” he said.
FC Muza are in good form in the top flight. They are currently fourth in the standings with 40 points and aiming to qualify for continental football.
They will play the Airmen on the 12th of March 2023 at the Woodlands stadium in Lusaka in the ABSA Cup.
