Siwale backs Ng’onga to improve as Zesco gears up for CAF Confederation Cup

Zesco United interim coach Emmanuel Siwale is confident that striker Alex Ng’onga will continue to improve heading into next season, despite his struggles with injuries this campaign.

After enduring a quiet season at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ng’onga made his most significant impact last weekend by scoring the decisive penalty in Zesco United’s ABSA Cup final victory over Red Arrows.

Siwale praised the striker for his resilience and unwavering belief throughout the difficult period.

“And if you’re not scoring as a striker, it’s quite frustrating, and he went through that tough period. But I like the way he handled himself [during the final] because he’s a tough guy,” Siwale said. “For him to have done what he has done [during the final], it’s a plus for him and I’m very happy for him.”

Meanwhile, Siwale is optimistic that the team will keep improving.

“I am sure the fans expect us to improve because we are still improving. So we have to improve and make sure we deliver to their expectations,” he said.

Zesco United will represent Zambia in the CAF Confederation Cup after securing second place in the Super League with a game to spare.

This will mark their seventh appearance in the competition, having previously featured in 2006, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2019. Their best performance came in 2017 when they reached the quarterfinals.