Zesco United begin the post-Lwandamina era with a vital home game against relegation strugglers Nchanga Rangers this Wednesday afternoon as the crisis-torn Zambian Super League champions look to remain in contention for a top-two finish at the very minimum.
Prior to Lwandamina's resignation, Zesco United's Colombian fans insisted that while the club was struggling to convert their games in hand into wins, they were not out of the title race.
However, if Zesco were to drop points at home this afternoon, it will be harder to reject the idea that as far as retaining the title is concerned, the defending champions are in deep trouble.
Zesco United's 3-2 home defeat to Nkana FC proved to be the end George Lwandamina’s highly successful spell in charge. The Zambian Super League champions were left in 4th place with a number of games in hand — and if Nchanga Rangers, currently lying relegation zone, become the next Super League side to leave the Estadio de la Levy Mwanawasa this season with something, they will all but end Zesco's aspirations of defending their crown.
Whoever is in charge of Zesco United for the visit of Nchanga Ranger will have to coax a vastly improved performance from a group of players who have proved alarmingly inconsistent this season.