By SAMUEL LUKHANDA –

BAMAKO, Saturday
FOOTBAL Association of Zambia (FAZ) committee member Elijah Chileshe has called on fans to rally behind the country’s CAF envoys in the continental games as they fight for a spot in the group stages.
Zambian champions Zesco United have a two-legged clash against Stade Malien of Mali that will see the winner qualify for the Champions League group stage while Zanaco will need to negotiate past Tunisian side Stade Gabesien for a slot in the Confederations Cup group stages.
Chileshe, who is delegation leader here in Bamako with Zesco, has urged the fans to give support to the two sides as they fly the country’s flag in the CAF inter club competitions.
“This is not about Zesco or Zanaco, this is about our country and these two teams are representing Zambia and all of us should hold hands and support our boys. If they succeed it’s our success,” Chileshe said.
He said this after the team held its last training session prior to last nights match against Malien in Bamako.
Chileshe said the association wants to see Zambian clubs play at the highest level of football in Africa and that  these CAF competitions present the perfect opportunity for the clubs to show their abilities.
“It is important to play well so that our teams can return to being among the elite teams in Africa as Zambia is a big footballing nation on the continent,” Chileshe said.
He paid tribute to Zesco sponsors, the technical bench, executive, and players in the diligent manner in which they prepared for the game.
Meanwhile, some Zambians resident in Mali yesterday organised themselves to cheer Zesco.