The clubs will battle each other across two legs for a spot in the group stages of the continental competition.
Chiefs, who have never reached the next phase of the tournament, will enter the match with confidence after defeating Absa Premiership leaders Bidvest Wits 2-0 in the league in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
However, ex-Chipolopolo international Mutapa suspects Amakhosi will come unstuck against Zesco.
"Zesco has been playing in CAF competitions for the past 10 years and they have done well," said Mutapa from Lusaka.
"That's why they have also dominated our league because playing in Africa has really helped them become a bigger team.
"So this is the game that Zesco will take seriously and chances are that at the Levy [Mwanawasa] Stadium they will come out victorious.
"I believe Zesco will qualify for the group stages."
The Glamour Boys have been boosted by the return of midfield enforcer Willard Katsande for the game, which starts at 15h00, after he sat out the contest with the Clever Boys.
Chiefs will host the return leg of the CAF play-off tie at FNB Stadium on January 19 (20h00).