POWER DYNAMOS AIM TO GIFT ZAMBIA INDEPENDENCE WIN WITH VIPERS SHOWDOWN 🇿🇲⚽

24.10.2025 | Football DNA

Power Dynamos head coach Oswald Mutapa says he is pleased with the positive mental attitude his players have shown ahead of tomorrow’s crucial CAF Confederation Cup clash against Uganda’s Vipers SC.

Mutapa, however, remains cautious, warning his side not to be complacent following their 2–1 away victory in Kampala two weeks ago.

“Yes, we won the game away in Uganda, but for us that was just the first half of the tie. We still have the second half to deal with positively,” said Mutapa.

The coach confirmed that the team has a clean bill of health, except for Lawrence Mulenga, who remains unavailable for selection.

Asked if playing on Zambia’s Independence Day adds any motivation, Mutapa said the team would love to give the nation a memorable gift as it celebrates 61 years of independence.

“It would be a great feeling to give Zambians something to celebrate on this special day by winning the match,” he added.

Meanwhile, vice-captain Salulani Phiri said the players are united in their mission to qualify for the group stages and help Zambia reclaim its two continental slots.

“All the players know what is at stake. The mentality in the camp is strong — we want to get those slots back,” Phiri stated.

He also paid tribute to the coaching staff, especially goalkeeper coach Martin Mwamba and assistant coach Linos Makwaza, for sharing their experiences from Power Dynamos’ historic 1991 CAF Cup Winners’ Cup triumph, the club’s greatest continental success.

On the other hand, Vipers head coach Ivan Minaert remains optimistic despite the narrow first-leg defeat. He believes his side can overturn the result in front of a passionate Zambian crowd.

“It’s very possible to beat Power Dynamos, even on their home turf. We’ve learned from the first leg and we’re better prepared now. We’re not under any pressure,” Minaert said.

He added that the team’s nickname, The Vipers, will inspire them to “inject venom” into their opponents when the two sides meet in Ndola.

Vipers captain Milton Kalisa echoed his coach’s confidence, insisting that the team is not intimidated by the prospect of playing before a packed Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

“We know it will be a full house, but we’re ready. The goal is simple — qualify for the group stage,” Kalisa affirmed.

Power Dynamos carry a 2–1 aggregate advantage heading into tomorrow’s second-leg encounter, which kicks off at 15:00 hours at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.