Zanaco head coach Numba Mumamba has said his side is fully aware of the stakes as they prepare to face ZESCO United in a decisive Week 17 MTN Super League fixture on Thursday at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka.

The encounter carries major implications for the ABSA Cup 2026 qualification race. Defending champions ZESCO United F.C. must secure maximum points to confirm qualification, while any slip-up could see FC MUZA snatch the final qualification slot for the country’s only cup competition.

Mumamba, a former ZESCO United coach, acknowledged the magnitude of the fixture but insisted his players require little motivation.

“We’ve done our preparations, and they’ve gone well. Everyone is set and ready for tomorrow’s game against ZESCO,” Mumamba told the club’s media team. “This is a very big test for our lads playing ZESCO who have just come out of the CAF competition. We expect a tough game.”

Despite ZESCO’s desperation for points, Mumamba dismissed any added pressure on his squad.

“For us it’s not a worry because the players themselves know what is at stake, especially playing a big team like ZESCO. This is a game you don’t even need to push the players for. They are mentally and psychologically ready. All we need is to give them the freedom to express themselves.”

Zanaco head into the clash buoyed by a 3-0 victory over FC Leopards, a result that addressed earlier concerns about their scoring struggles.

“It worked in the last game where we scored three goals. Now it’s about the players being responsible when chances arise,” concluded Numba.

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