DEPLETED ZESCO SQUAD FOR ‘BIRDS’ CLASH

MBABANE – Visiting Zesco United are minus talisman Jesse Were and three other key players in their crunch CAF Champions League clash against Mbabane Swallows this afternoon.

The two sides cross swords in a decisive fixture at Mavuso Sports Centre today.  The Kenya-born Were, who has just celebrated scoring 50 goals for the Zambian giants, was denied boarding the South African Airways flight at Simon Mwansa Airport in Zambia on Thursday alongside three players due to Visa problems.

The other affected players are Enock Sabumukama, Dieudonne Ntibahezwa and Marcel Kasongo Kalonda.
Club CEO Richard Mulenga, in a statement confirmed the latest development, saying the players were declared prohibited immigrants after overstaying in South Africa during pre-season training.

“During the 2018 pre-season training period in South Africa, the four players were declared prohibited immigrants by the immigration authorities due to the two extra days the team spent in that country.

“Zesco, however, have appealed the decision on arrival to relevant authorities and we are yet to be advised on the outcome. Since the game will be played in Eswatini, and not in South Africa, the issue of the Visa did not arise when making travel arrangements,” said Mulenga.

Four players in Davie Daka, Wingstone Kalengo, Samson Banda and Edward Tembo have since replaced the four and have joined the team in camp at Esibayeni Lodge in Matsapha.

This has left coach George Lwandamina with a depleted squad, as defender Simon Silwimba has been suspended by CAF for accumulating two yellow cards. Defender David Owino, who scored in the 1-all draw with Swallows in the reverse, has also missed the trip due to injury.
Lwandamina, when asked about the unfortunate incident at Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday during a press conference, was diplomatic in his response.
“We have depth and have other players who can score,” he said.

Commenting on the game, Lwandamina conceded that Swallows were an improved side, but said they were eager to record a win.
“All teams are improving these days. Swallows have exceptional players, but we also boast quality.
Team skipper and goalkeeper Jacob Banda also admitted that the game would be tough, but said the spirit in camp, as they were not ready to give up.
Meanwhile, Swallows coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati, during a press briefing, had also said it was do or die fixture, saying Zesco remained a threat despite their slump.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: