Mass hysteria is the thing we should fear, not a just another cold-like virus
The current global panic in reaction to the emergence of a fairly mild new virus is wholly unjustified and amounts to mass hysteria. Governments around the World should be containing the hysteria, not encouraging it. It is also essential to re-establish normal life as soon as possible and get people back to work.
* There is no evidence that the 2019-nCoV poses any greater threat to those who catch it than many forms of the flu virus.
* The mortality rate in China is around 2% – and appears to remain constantly within a narrow confidence interval around that rate. This does not make it a serious threat to human life.
* Only one person has died from the virus outside China – and he was a Chinese national from Wuhan. Given the number of detected cases then the mortality rate should be much higher if the virus was more dangerous than most common variants of flu.
* It is clear that mortalities have largely arisen amongst those already subject to serious health conditions, or weakened by age. In fact, as with all such viruses the principal cause of death is secondary bacterial infection.
* The source of the virus is said to be a market in Wuhan that sold wild animals, but there is evidence to suggest that people with no connection to the market were infected before the outbreak from the market.
* The animal that was supposed to be the source of the virus has not been specifically identified.
* The reason why pharmaceutical companies have not developed a vaccine for the common cold coronavirus is claimed to be that the virus is difficult to grow and isolate in the laboratory, yet within days of the genetic data relating to the 2019-nCoV being released it had been grown and isolated in an Australian laboratory.
* It appears that some medical experts, organisations and governments around the World were curiously over-prepared for this outbreak. Was this just good prediction – or due to a more sinister reason?
* It is also curious that there is little or no transmission beyond those with a Chinese ethnic origin.
* Although in the best position to offer assistance to China, the USA has offered no medical aid, or other support, and merely closed its borders to those traveling from China. Is this saying something about the virus’s source rather than Sino-American relations?
* The handling of the outbreak, and its communication has led to prejudice rather than sympathy towards virus sufferers and suspected sufferers – and, in some cases, deep infringements of human rights. It has also stoked xenophobia/ethic discrimination against those of Chinese origin living outside China. There has been little action by state authorities to curb this problem.
* The over-reaction of authorities, airlines, some health professionals is likely to do far more harm to the World than if normal containment methods were employed.
* The economic consequences of this global panic could be very serious and it leaves employer in a difficult position in trying to cope with stress, anxiety and discriminatory reactions amongst their workforce.
According to Robin Chater, Secretary-General of the Federation of International Employers (FedEE), “The priority now is for everyone to calm down, take a deep breath and think about this situation rationally. The medical profession has given us all misleading information about this outbreak and we need to focus on the emerging facts, even if they do not wish to do so. We must ensure no more harm is done – both to China’s burgeoning economy (that is driving growth elsewhere in the World) and to save us from spiralling down into another global recession. Human reason is falling prey to infantile emotion and this development is showing how little we have collectively travelled from our primitive origins.”
What is FedEE?
The Federation of International Employers (FedEE) is a leading corporate membership organisation for multinational companies. It was founded in 1998, with financial assistance from the European Commission. Today it is an independent body with corporate members all around the globe.
Today’s Message: Faith in the Middle
Today’s Scripture
“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown…”
(Isaiah 43:2, NLT)
Faith in the Middle
In Genesis 37, God gave Joseph a dream that one day his family would bow down before him. God showed him the end, and the promise was planted in his heart. But what God didn’t show him was the middle. Years later, when the dream came to pass and Joseph was ruling over the nation of Egypt, I can hear him saying, “God, You gave me this incredible promise, but You didn’t tell me I’d be thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, falsely accused of a crime, and put in prison for years.” If Joseph were here today, he would tell you, “Don’t get discouraged in the middle when life doesn’t make sense.” You know the promise is in your heart, but every circumstance says just the opposite. Keep believing, keep being your best. If you’ll have faith for the middle, the God of the middle is going to protect you, provide for you, and favor you.
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for Your promise to be with me through the deepest of waters. Even when life doesn’t make sense, I choose to trust in You and believe that You are working behind the scenes for my good. I will have faith for the middle. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Zambia Slovenia needs to formalise engagement
The head of the University of Ljubljana infectious faculty Dr Tatjana Zupanc is seeking greater formal coorporation between Zambia and Slovenia for interns and academic placements in order to benefit both countries as diplomatic relations grow.
Dr Zupanc was speaking during a meeting with the Ambassador of Zambia to Germany H.E Anthony Mukwita held at the medical faculty in the presence of the school’s specialist intern Professor Dr. Janez Tomaz and newly graduated Doctors that recently spent 90 days interning at the Nangoma Mission Hospital in Zambia.
“We have had informal relations with Zambia through our renowned missionary Father Stanko Rozman since 1990,” Dr Zupanc said, “through this relationship dozens of young doctors and even senior ones have gone to Nangoma but now we seek your help to formalise this relationship.”
Conversely, Professor Tomaz said nothing would give himself and the faculty more joy and gratitude than an exchange programme of medical academics and practitioners from Slovenia and Zambia swap places at universities and hospitals as soon as possible formally.
“We want you Ambassador to help us attract medical talent from Zambia’s hospitals to come and intern here in Slovenia and we want our Doctors to do the same in Zambia formally,” said Professor Tomaz.
Ambassador Mukwita said the two issues of formalising academic and medical placements was something positive that he believed could be done as President Edgar Lungu encourages greater global integration.
“The world is global now and there is a lot we can all learn from each other through official government channels as a matter of urgency,” said Ambassador Mukwita.
The embassy of Zambia commenced official relations with the Slovenian university in 2019 which led to graduating Doctors that were headed to their Sioma internship collect and donate various medical equipment for the mission hospital.
The embassy in Berlin then liaised with the First Lady Esther Lungu via her charity foundation, the Esther Lungu Foundation to transport the donation which included respirators to Nangoma Mission Hospital.
In the words of intern Doctors led by Dr. Klara Grad that just completed the 90 day stretch in Nangoma and now are back in Slovenia: “We are very grateful for the First Lady and the embassy of Zambia for the collaboration in getting the medical supply to Nangoma on time in good state. We are very thankful.”
Dr Grad said there is now three respirators for children as a result of the donation compared to only one before they got on the ground and the embassy and the First Lady deserved the plaudits.
“All the times collected reached the final destination, so we sincerely appreciate your selfless help and we appreciate,” the interns said in a letter they all signed.
Also for the first time in the meeting today was Dr Damjan Kozelj whose first stint in Zambia resulted into a one year none stop stretch and now she treks to Nangoma annually because she has developed a personal attachment to the hospital and people.
Dr Damjan wants to see how another area and province in Zambia can be developed in the way the missionaries and university students have done for Nangoma.
Ambassador Mukwita pledged to officially convey the message of gratitude to the First Lady from the university and Zambia’s honorary consul to Slovenia Damjan Zonta who has been instrumental in all engagements.
All this is happening on the side-lines of an annual reception President Borat Pohar holds for Ambassadors accredited to Slovenia such as Zambia that over sees Ljubljana from the Berlin station.
Ambassador Mukwita was accompanied by honorary consul Zonta and colleague Sasha Jalshovec at the university meeting.
In the past 30 years, cooperation between Zambia and Slovenia humanitarian wise has largely been informal despite deep rooted Christian relations background beyond diplomacy.
This is according to a statement issued by Kellys Kaunda, First Secretary Press and Public Relations at the embassy of Zambia in Berlin.
Chilubi Victory for PF is 100% Certain Despite Economical Challenges
By Dr. Joze Manda
The Parliamentary by-election race in Chilubi district has tightened significantly over the past one week and PF candidate Francis Mulenga Fube is most likely to win the elections set for February 13th despite the PF losing some support amid widespread anger over corruption allegation, economical challenges, and high unemployment.
Pollsters put the PF well ahead of its nearest rivals the main opposition UPND, who are seating at only 20%.
The margin of victory of 65% for PF predicted by pollsters is large enough for Fube to win.
The PF’s lead, despite its reduced margin because of voter apathy, means the party will be mathematically assured of more than 50 percent of votes that will be cast during the by-election, given the uncertainties inherent to forecasting – an outcome of 50% of the votes is guaranteed without any doubt which also means PF will definitely retain their seat.
The confidence and the popularity of the PF candidate has added more advantage to the PF chance of an absolute victory. In his own words, the ruling PF Chilubi parliamentary candidate Mulenga Fube said a few weeks ago that the only thing that concerned him about the Chilubi by-election was the margin with which he will win the election. He said,
“I have won already; I am just working on the margins. It just has to be wider.”
It is also important to acknowledge and accept that PF has lost some support amid widespread anger over corruption allegation, economical challenges, and high unemployment but we must also always remember that the connection between economics and politics is clearly visible. Economic production sustains human life which, for most people, is the most important concern in life.
The prestige of a democratic government, its rise, and fall, usually depend on its economic performance and that is way Edgar Lungu has put his effort and that of his government in overdrive to cartel the challenges we are facing as can be seen with his commitment pledges as 2020 begins.
The predicated Chilubi victory is also an indicator of how we expect the trend to continue of PF winning going through into 2021 and which will culminate into the PF victory during the 2021 general elections.
While Lungu’s PF government is working on its challenges and continue to drive its infrastructure development agenda, the largest opposition, UPND has chosen to bury its head in the sand and refuses to offer genuine solutions, also believes the failures of PF will automatically push them into the ruling party, an unfortunate way to look at things.
UPND’s misfortune is to spend 80% of its available campaign time in urban areas where it has some good numbers than the rural areas where they lack a convincing support base, to the advantage of PF.
Unfortunately, it is the rural areas that comprise the majority; and so, successive ruling parties have played this demography to their advantage over the years.
Dr. Joze Manda is a Political Analyst based in Lusaka.
Mighty Stay Unbeaten Against Nkana
The status quo in the top three stayed unchanged following stalemates in a raft of derbies that littered the FAZ Super Division on Saturday.
At Shinde Stadium, leaders Nkana maintained their one point lead following a 0-0 away draw against old foes Mighty Mufulira Wanderers in their Copperbelt derby in Mufulira.
The result saw Nkana stay winless against Mighty this season after a 3-2 home loss in September.
Nkana crawl to 38 points, one ahead of Green Eagles who drew 0-0 away at Nakambala Leopards in their Southern Province derby played in Mazabuka.
Mighty stay bottom of the table despite ending their four-match losing run in Tenant Chembo’s first game in charge of the ailing nine-time champions.
Napsa Stars also stayed put in third place following another barren result in their Lusaka derby at Woodlands Stadium.
However, the only change in the top four occurred in the Ndola derby at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium where Forest Rangers beat Buildcon in a seven-goal thriller 4-3.
Forest’s win displaced their fellow Ndola neighbours Zesco United from fourth to fifth on 36 and 34 points respectively.
Zesco were away on CAF Champions League duty in DR Congo on Saturday and return to league action this Wednesday when they host Nakambala Leopards at Levy.
And at Godfrey ‘Ucar’Chitalu Stadium, KYSA won their debut Kabwe derby against Kabwe Warriors with a 1-0 victory thanks to a Stephen Chulu goal in the 76th minute.
KYSA are 17th on 12 points from twenty games and are three points ahead of Mighty.
Warriors are sixth on 31 points.
FAZ SUPER DIVISION RESULTS AND FIXTURES
WEEK 20
01/02/2020
Mufulira Wanderers 0-Nkana 0
Forest Rangers 4-Buildcon 3
Green Buffaloes 1-Kansanshi Dynamos 0
Kabwe Warriors 0-Kabwe Youth Soccer Academy 1
Napsa Stars 0-Lusaka Dynamos 0
Nakambala Leopards 0-Green Eagles 0
02/02/2020
Power Dynamos-Red Arrows
04/03/2020
Zanaco-Nkwazi
Lumwana Radiants-Zesco United
NATIONAL FIRST DIVISION
13h00: Kitwe United -Gomes FC
The opposition political parties are looking for an excuse to pull out-Sikazwe
Presidential Affairs Minister Freedom Sikazwe has said that the opposition political parties are looking for an excuse to pull out of the upcoming February 13th By-Elections because they have sensed defeat going by the support the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) is enjoying in Chilubi.
Speaking to ZNBC News, Mr. Sikazwe wondered why the UPND did not pull out of the Sesheke Parliamentary by-election were there was a lot of bloodshed compared to the peaceful environment which is obtaining in Chilubi District.
Mr. Sikazwe said that the opposition should just concede defeat instead of misleading the nation that there is violence in Chilubi.
Mr. Sikazwe said that the PF will show the nation that it is possible to hold a by-election without violence and that there was no need for people to shade blood over an election, adding that campaigns should be about ideas and not physical fights.
The Presidential Affairs Minister further urged the Zambia Police to continue patrolling the Chilubi until the elections are held.
Meanwhile, PF deputy campaign manager for the Chilubi parliamentary by-election Geoffrey Mwamba said the party will not protect anyone who will get involved in illegal activities.
Mr. Mwamba said the PF will only preach President Edgar Lungu’s development agenda.
On Friday, the opposition UPND and NDC threatened to pull out of the by-election in Chilubi if the Electoral Commission of Zambia does not address the alleged reports of violence in the area.
The people of Chilubi will be going to the polls on the 13th of this month to replace the late members of Parliament Rosario Fuindanga who died last year in November.
IBA warns broadcast stations against relying on social media stories
The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has warned broadcast stations in the country against relying on social media stories to aid bullying and hate among the people.
IBA Director General Josephine Mapoma said that some social media stories can compromise the unity and security of the nation. Ms. Mapoma said that the Authority has observed with concern the growing tendency and excitement by some broadcast stations to rely on unverified social media stories, adding that IBA expects Broadcasting Stations to be professional and avoid deliberate moves aimed at ignoring conditions for which their licences were issued.
The IBA Director-General said that the authority has also noted the high levels of laissez-faire attitude among some broadcasters, leading to more Phone-in programs that are heavily dependent on issues from social media.
Ms. Mapoma has reminded broadcasting stations that they have a duty to abide by the IBA Act and other broadcasting regulations.
Meanwhile, Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Dora Siliya has implored the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) to harmonize the issuance of radio station licenses.
Ms. Siliya who is also Chief Government Spokesperson wondered why some community radio stations have managed to go nationwide while others have not, saying IBA should ensure it differentiates ownership and principles of each category of radio licenses so that people are not left with a lot of questions.
Speaking after touring Radio Chimwemwe in Ndola, Ms. Siliya further said Community radio stations should provide content that will respond to the needs of the people in areas where they operate.
Zesco Make Painful CAF Champions League Exit
TP Mazembe put Zesco United out of their 2019/2020 CAF Champions League Group A misery with a 3-1 victory in Lubumbashi today.
The result saw Zesco finish bottom of Group A and without a victory at this stage for the first time in the clubs’ continental history where they have also set a record with their worst run in Africa.
Jackson Muleka scored a brace for the DR Congo giants and five-time African champions while Chico Ushindi scored the other after the break.
Muleka put Mazembe from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute but two minutes later Zesco striker Winston Kalengo leveled to see the two sides go into the break level.
Ushindi made it 2-1 in the 61st minute before Muleka completed his brace in the 79th minute.
Zesco finish their Group A campaign on 3 points, Premiero de Agosto of Angola are third on 4 points after a 0-0 home draw today with Zamalek of Egypt who finished second on 9 points.
Mazembe head into the quarterfinals unbeaten in 14 points where fellow five-time champions Zamalek will join them in the February 5 last eight draws.
D-Day for Zanaco in CAF Confederation Cup Quarterfinal Race
Zanaco on Sunday hope to become the third Zambian club to qualify to the quarterfinals of continental club competition when they play RSB Berkane away in Morocco.
The Bankers face Berkane in their final Group C match in the 2019/2020 CAF Confederation Cup.
Zanaco are second on 9 points, one behind Berkane in a three-way race for the top two quarterfinal spots in Group C.
DC Motema Pembe of DR Congo are a close third on 7 points and are home where they host ESAE of Benin who are out of contention on 1 point from five games played.
Zanaco also edge Motema Pembe on head-to-head following a 1-1 away draw in Kinshasa and a 2-1 home win in Lusaka.
“That is what we want, that is why we are here. Football is a game of challenging the unknown,” Zanaco assistant coach Joel Bwalya said.
“We will take what they throw at us, can we throw something at them, and can they answer back? We will see on Sunday.”
Zanaco are hoping to join Zesco United and Nkana who are the only Zambian clubs to date to have qualified to the final knockout stages.
Nkana reached the 2018/2019 CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals while Zesco qualified for the 2016 CAF Champions League semifinals and 2017 CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, Zanaco are now Zambia’s only team with quarterfinal qualification interest after Zesco fell short in their CAF Champions League Group A campaign.
Zambia and UK working together to address mismatched qualifications
Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Michael Chilala has said progress has been made towards addressing the challenge of mismatched qualifications between Zambia and the United Kingdom.
And Dr. Chilala has disclosed that the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) is reviewing the ECZ Act Cap 137 of the Laws of Zambia, to make the penalties stiffer as a deterrent from involvement in examination malpractices.
Following the continued debate on the comparisons between qualifications issued by Universities in Zambia against those issued in the United Kingdom, Dr. Chilala and The National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (NARIC) Head of Quality Benchmark Services Dr. Fabrizio Trifiro held a meeting in London to discuss the issue.
In an interview before departing for Zambia, Dr. Chilala said “We met with the representative from NARIC to discuss the issue of unfavorable comparison of qualifications issued in Zambia against those issued in the UK. During the meeting, it was observed that there were gaps in the evaluation of the ‘O’ Level qualifications, which have a lot of ‘A’ Level content. Additionally, we observed that while the first degree in UK takes an average of 3 years of study, the degree in Zambia takes an average of 4 years. In our discussion, we indicated to NARIC that although there are no ‘A’ Levels issued by the Examinations Council of Zambia, the first year of university education plus the ‘A’ Level content in our ‘O’ Level qualification can account adequately for the missing ‘A’ Level qualification”.
He said based on the interaction, it was agreed that NARIC will visit Zambia to evaluate the first year content for the University of Zambia, the Copperbelt University, Mulungushi University and University of Lusaka.
“It was further observed that the current performance descriptors under the Zambian Qualifications Framework was similar to the higher diploma in UK and those for the Masters were similar to the Bachelor’s degree with Honors in the UK,” he said.
Dr. Chilala further said, the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) was in the process of reviewing the Zambia Qualification Framework (ZQF) and its performance descriptors and agreed to request ZAQA to include NARIC among the stakeholders to be consulted during the review process.
“Based on the agreements in the meeting, there is progress made towards addressing the challenge of mismatched qualifications between the UK and Zambia,” he said.
And Dr. Chilala said Zambia experienced a terrible leakage of six (6) papers in 2018, leading to a temporal suspension of the examination until the papers were replaced. Arising from the 2018 experience, a number of reforms were implemented in 2019, which resulted in leakage free examinations.
He attested that after the reforms, there were no examination malpractices in 2019.
He said ECZ leveraged on ICTs through the introduction of online marks transfer, candidate registration and e-Statements of Results to enhance efficiency.
Dr. Chilala said ECZ is also working on sensitising the masses against examination malpractices as it is largely a moral issue.
Dr. Chilala was in London to attend the Education World Forum 2020 Global Summit for Education Ministers that took place in London last week under the theme: One Generation: “What does it take to transform education”.
The Chinese National rushed to UTH from the KKIA has no coronavirus-Dr Chilufya
The government has dismissed reports that a Chinese national admitted to University Teaching Hospital (UTH) is a suspected Coronavirus patient.
Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya said that the Chinese national was taken to UTH just as a safety precaution to protect the public, adding that coronavirus has been ruled out in the case.
His comments come after a Chinese national was rushed to the University Teaching Hospital for treatment, from the Kenneth Kaunda Airport today with flu-like symptoms.
Dr. Chilufya said that heightened surveillance at entry points in Zambia will ensure the country continues to be safeguarded from the deadly coronavirus.
Dr. Chilufya said that this may result in a serious probe into anyone displaying some symptoms similar to the virus.
The minister has since called on members of the public to desist from alarming reports over the Coronavirus issue as it can cause public distress unnecessarily.
The Chinese national who is admitted to the institution had not traveled to China recently.
Nevers Flags Off MMD Convention
By Staff Reporter
New Hope Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) President Dr. Nevers Sekwila Mumba yesterday gave the roadmap for the long awaited MMD Convention.
Dr. Mumba who was in the Company of Party Vice President Mr. Reuben Sambo, Party National Chairperson Winnie Zaloumis, Party National Secretary Hon. Elizabeth Chitika and other Senior MMD leaders, yesterday met hundreds of Lusaka District and Constituency MMD Officials at Matero Community Hall.
Party National Secretary Hon Elizabeth Chitika said that the MMD has hit the road running.
“We have heard some people say that the MMD is dead. Can a dead party have all these members in their structures in a single district. As the Party’s CEO, I am extremely happy that even after the three (3) years of confusion in the party, our structures are very intact. I would like to say that we the New Hope MMD have hit the road running for 2021”, Hon. Chitika said.
Whilst MMD National Chairperson Ms. Winnie Zaloumis challenged President Lungu to revoke the Nomination of Raphael Nakachinda as Member of Parliament for he was expelled from MMD.
“The MMD leadership wrangles ended on the 5th of November, 2019. The Judge among other things ruled that the 2016 MMD convention was illegal and that Mr. Felix Mutati and Raphael Nakachinda remained expelled members of the MMD. When Nakachinda was nominated to Parliament, Amos Chanda said that he was appointed to Parliament as an MMD Nominated Member of Parliament. Since Nakachinda is not an MMD, we are hereby calling upon President Lungu to revoke Nakachinda’s Nomination. As a Party, we have a number of people who more qualified than Nakachinda”, Ms. Zaloumis said.
Party Vice President Mr. Reuben Sambo said that the MMD had been used for personal gains by selfish people.
“We have realized with sadness how our party has been used for personal gains. Some people have used it to gain freedom, some to become Ministers and others to become MP’s. I would like to say that never again will selfish people hijack our party for personal gains”, Mr. Sambo said.
Party President Dr. Nevers Mumba said that he is a product of a Convention.
“I have heard one individual alleging that Nevers is afraid of the Convention. That is the biggest joke of the decade. In 2012, when I returned from Canada I found the biggest names in the MMD running for the MMD Presidency These included Hon. Kavindale, Hon. Mutati and Hon. Situmbeko Musokotwane just to mention a few. I beat them fair and square. I am a product of a Convention, how can I be scared of it”, Dr. Mumba said.
Dr. Mumba then gave a road map for the long awaited MMD Convention.
“I would like to inform you our leaders in Lusaka District that the National Secretary will soon call for Provincial Conferences in all the 10 provinces of Zambia. After that, we will then have a Policy Conference where we will rectify our party Constitution and all other policies of our party for ratification at the Convention. This will then lead to the National Convention where any member of our party can run for any office including the Office of President. We will then hire one of the big stadiums where we will launch the New Hope MMD in readiness for the 2021 elections where we will participate in all the elections from Ward, Constituency and Presidential levels”, Dr. Mumba said.
Nkana Wary of Ailing Mighty
Nkana coach Manfred Chabinga is wary of ‘Mighty’ Mufulira Wanderers heading into Saturdays trip to Shinde Stadium.
The 12-time champions visit Mighty who ended their two-game unbeaten start to the season following a 3-2 home loss in Kitwe on September 22.
But the two old giants have endured contrasting fortunes since then.
Nkana enjoy a one point lead at the top of the FAZ Super Division table while ‘Mighty’ are last and head into their home game after a four-match losing run.
“Mufulira Wanderers are struggling, they are trying by all means to run away from relegation,” Chabinga said.
“These teams fighting relegation are very dangerous. If you remember when we played them at home, we were beaten 3-2 so we are not going to underestimate them.
“But we will prepare ourselves to collect maximum points although it won’t be easy, it will be tough.”
The match will also mark Wanderers coach Tenant Chembo’s first game in charge of the nine-time champions following the recent sacking of Anderson Phiri.
Lwandamina Seeks Better February after Bruising January
George Lwandamina hopes Zesco United can put behind their January’s woes in this Saturday’s CAF Champions League Group A dead-rubber match away to TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi.
Zesco enter February after a bruising run in the opening month of 2020 in which they won one, drew one of their seven competitive games in January.
That run of results saw their CAF Champions League quarterfinal hopes end after a draw and loss in their last two Group A matches to remain winless on 3 points in the league phase of the competition.
Zesco also head to DR Congo just three days after losing 2-1 in a league match against Kabwe Warriors that left them stranded in fourth position on 34 points but just 3 points behind leaders Nkana.
“The morale is high although we are coming from a 2-1 loss against Warriors. But still, players want to do better. They have their names to also protect,” Lwandamina said.
“All that we just need to do is to maintain the strong emotional fiber that Zesco is renowned for.
“We have to put or act together and start impressing our fans; I am sure who are pains, and even our sponsors. It hasn’t been a good road but that’s where we are, we just have to do it.”
Meanwhile, Zesco will resume their league title defence on February 5 at home against struggling Nakambala Leopards.