. Chambeshi

By KALUMIANA KALUMIANA –
BESTON Chambeshi chases win number five in the MTN-FAZ Premier Division League since taking charge in July when Nkana host Nchanga Rangers in a Week 25 game at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe today.
The defending champions have slowly crawled into the top four under Chambeshi in his last seven league games in charge following his appointment in late July that included two defeats and a draw.
Nkana face a Rangers side they now consider their customer and come into their home game with an impressive three straight wins whose highlight have been hefty 3-1 away and 4-1 home wins on July 12 and October, 2013, respectively.
However, Chambeshi said Nkana will not take struggling Rangers lightly despite their poor form this season.
“We believe and trust that Nchanga is a good side, we have to respect them and they have to respect us too and they have a good coach in Fighton Simukonda, we have to prepare well and handle them very well,” Chambeshi said.
“It will be a different ball game because we are heading towards the end of the season and each and every team is aiming for the points and for sure we are aiming for that; to pick up points at home.”
Chambeshi reassured his fans that striker Ronald Kampamba is fit despite mixed signals that have been sent everytime he gets a Chipolopolo call up.
A fit “Sate-Sate” Kampamba is not good news for Rangers who have been at the receiving end of four goals in the last two meetings from the striker.
However, Chambeshi continues to miss the services of midfielders Frank Chibuye and Tony Odur who are both still sidelined with injuries.
Nkana have 42 points with a game in hand from 23 matches and a win today if the top two falter could easily put them within five points of leaders Zanaco or Power Dynamos.
The game will also be a great test for seventh placed Nchanga who last weekend beat Napsa Stars 4-1 to pick up its biggest win in a poor run by their high standards.
Elsewhere this afternoon, Zanaco host relegation-threatened Konkola Mine Police at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka while second-placed Power visit Green Eagles in Choma.
Third-placed Zesco United have a date with Konkola Blades at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.
Bruised Napsa Stars host Green Buffaloes in a Woodlands Stadium double-header after National Assembly’s lunchtime clash against Red Arrows.
Kabwe Warriors are in Kitwe to play rock-bottom Roan United as curtain-raiser for the Nkana versus Rangers clash.
Defeat for Roan today will seal their fate with five games left to play.
Third from bottom Indeni could extend their survival battle when they visit 10th placed Nakambala Leopards in Mazabuka.