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Orlando Pirates coach Micho Sredojevic counting on his Zambian duo to put AFCON disappointment to bed

Both Mulenga and Shonga tormented Kaizer Chiefs when they met in the Absa Premiership last month, a game which the Buccaneers won 2-1.

Shonga may have missed a penalty but set up the equaliser from a corner kick which was scored by left-back Innocent Maela, while Mulenga walked away with the man-of-the-match award.

The sides meet again in the Telkom Knockout semi-final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (15h00).

The Zambian forwards returned from the international week after their country's 1-0 defeat to Mozambique ended their hopes of qualifying for the 2019 AFCON in Cameroon.

They now have to pick themselves up to face Amakhosi, but 'Micho' is not likely to struggle with motivating the duo. After all, players hardly ever need to be motivated ahead of the Soweto Derby.

“You know, one big country like Zambia for a second consecutive time does not go to Africa Cup of Nations, [it] is a huge setback. We have received them and for them it’s like the end of the world, but fully aware that life is still ahead of them and they can still serve the nation in the best possible way in 2021,” Micho said.

“I have strong belief that when the disappointment comes of losing something, if you have too much time without action then it’s too much in your head and it’s killing you. But when the match comes the best way to wash out the pain is by doing everything you are supposed to do on the pitch,” said the Serbian.

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