. Chambeshi

By SHAMAOMA MUSONDA –
NKANA coach Beston Chambeshi has described as sweet his team’s 2-0 win over town rivals Power Dynamos in Sunday’s Barclays Cup quarter-final match played at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
Nkana beat three-time champions Power, Chambeshi’s former side, to storm the semi-finals of the 2014 Barclays Cup edition thanks to two quick goals scored in the 18th and 20th minutes from Ronald ‘Sate Sate’ Kampamba and Kelvin Mubanga respectively.
Chambeshi said in an interview that Power was always a difficult team for Nkana and that a win would always be savoured by everyone involved with the club going by the rivalry between the two Kitwe sides.
Nkana and Power hold Zambia’s worst derby rivalry with the latter emerging as a main rival to Nkana’s rich history having enjoyed more success in the last decade.
“Beating Power Dynamos when you are at Nkana is always a good thing. It’s sweet because they are a good team with a lot of good players, but I must state here that my players were on top of things and really played well,” he said.
Chambeshi made mention of the performance of main striker Kampamba, saying he had returned from injury well.
He also admitted that having coached Power in the past contributed somehow to the win but was quick to give credit of the win to the tactical approach his side had and how well the players executed it on the pitch.
“I have been in that camp before, I know how good they are. All departments did well but I am very happy that the midfield easily outplayed their opponents because Power has Richard Kasonde and Thomas Nyirenda, and these are good players,” he said.
He also said that the team played well and it was a good sign of a team moving in the right direction and remained hopeful Nkana will win this year’s Barclays Cup.
Also through with Nkana to the semi-finals are Premier League sides in three-time champions Zesco United, Konkola Blades and former champions Napsa Stars.
“These are strong teams that have made the semi-finals and players have to be on top of their game to get to the finals and win the trophy, we have to remain focused,” he said.
Champions Red Arrows did not qualify to defend the title, same as last year’s losing finalists Nchanga Rangers.