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WE’RE HERE TO SCORE GOALS – NKANA CAPTAIN, COACH

07/02/2014 04:43:00 BY SPORTS REPORTER

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A section of Nkana FC players with their captain Sydney Kalume (R) react as they head towards a government-organised bus for them.(Pic:Chris Dlamini)

MATSAPHA – They are here! Zambia’s 12 time champions Nkana FC touched down at the Matsapha International Airport at exactly 4:46pm yesterday before declaring they were here to score goals.

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Both the team’s coach, Mwale and the captain Zambia’s Chipolopolo midfielder, Sydney Kalume, declared that they want nothing less than victory.
The 25-member delegation was met at the airport by a few of the locally-based Zambian nationals including former XI Men coach Fred Kunda and others.

They are here for the first of the double-legged Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League tie against local champions, Mbabane Swallows. The visitors’ head coach, Mwale, said they were here to win the game and urged their supporters to come and witness what he termed would be good football on display. He minced no words in saying his side was more than ready for the game.

“Winning our charity game back home really puts us in good stead for the game on Sunday against Swallows. We will obviously be aiming at scoring as much goals as possible for us to win it.

“All my players are here and we are ready for the game. I am very much aware that Mbabane Swallows are also a tough side but we will give it our best shot. I watched them back home when they played against Zanaco. They may have made a few changes but at least I have an idea of their playing culture,” he said.

He invited the Zambian community to fill the stadium to the rafters so as to give them an edge against the hosts.
“We are also a very strong side, so we are expecting a very tough game from our opponents. I can safely say that we are ready for the game,” said the former Zesco United assistant coach.

He was here before, with Zesco when they played against Young Buffaloes at the Mavuso Sports Centre.
Kalume echoed his coach’s words and boldly stated that they were here to win. “We will, however, not underestimate our opponents because we have been made to understand that they are also a very strong team. There is no easy team at this stage of the competition and I can say we will do our best.

“Our supporters should come in their numbers to see us carry home the day. We have a very good defence as well as a good midfield where I, as the captain, lead by example,” said the player.
The Zambians are expected to conduct their first training session this morning at the Somhlolo National Stadium in readiness for the encounter slated for Sunday. Kickoff is 3pm. They are booked at the Happy Valley Resort.