ZESCO United Football Club Team Ya Ziko
“Old pirates, yes, they rob I sold I to the merchant ships, minutes after they took I from the bottomless pit but my hand was made strong by the hand of the almighty we forward in this generation triumphantly.
Won’t you help to sing? These songs of freedom? Cause all I ever have. Redemption song, Redemption song.”
The above lyrics are from Legendary Jamaican Reggae musician, Bob Marley’s famous redemption song which was a symbolic statement referencing the massive strides that society had made concerning racism, specifically toward those of African descent in the 80s.
42 years since its release, Marley’s song is still used as a reference to various challenges that humans continue to overcome.
Alfred Lupiya, ZESCO United’s acting head coach, yesterday smiled his way to bed after delivering what many believe was a redemption victory for a side that has grappled with three consecutive league losses.
ZESCO United yesterday beat Nchanga Rangers 3-1 in a thrilling MTN Super League week fifteen match played at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium.
It was a spirited performance from a side that has in the last two weeks been battered in shame and lost its aura as the country’s biggest club side.
The journey towards redemption started as early as the 3’ minute when Enock Sakala put the hosts in front with a cracking close-range goal.
ZESCO United fans were yet again on their feet when John Chingandu doubled the lead in the 16’ minute.
Nchanga Rangers pulled one back through an impressive Christian Chabu’s goal beating Ian Otieno at close range.
Sakala got his brace of the game in the 47’ minute of the game to seal a 3-1 victory for the Ndola-based league outfit who will face Nkana on Saturday in Kitwe.
In his post-match comments, Lupiya praised his side for putting up a spirited performance: “This is the attitude I was talking about from the first whistle to the last. We agreed as a team that we needed to deliver for ourselves and our supporters. We needed a win at all costs.”
“I am happy we worked on the front line and got some good early goals. These are the results we needed before going into the next two crucial league games. This victory is motivating and am sure it will boost our confidence ahead of the Nkana game.
ZESCO United will face Nkana on Saturday in the MTN Super League week sixteen to be played at Nkana stadium, Kitwe.
Author: Desmond Katongo
