•FLASHBACK……ZESCO United defender, Chishimba Changala (left) in a tussle with Saith Sakala of Napsa Stars during the 2014 MTN Premier Division League Week 26 fixture at Trade Fair grounds in Ndola in October. Zesco won the tie 2-0. Picture by KASUMPA KATAPA

By KALUMIANA KALUMIANA –

ZESCO United kick-off their  MTN-FAZ Premier Division League title defence today when they host early pacesetters Napsa Stars in a Week Two encounter at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
George Lwandamina’s side missed Week One proceedings due to their 2015 CAF Champions League obligations at home last Saturday when they hosted AS Kaloum of Guinea in a first round tie at the same venue.
This afternoon’s meeting will be a big test for visiting Napsa who made a roaring start to the 2015 campaign with a 3-1 away win over National Assembly last weekend.
However, Napsa visit Zesco armed with a very poor record against their hosts whom they have yet to beat since returning to the top flight league in 2012 after a 12-year absence.
It is even more painful for Napsa coach Hector Chilombo who lost 1-0 at home and 2-0 in Ndola last year in his first season in charge of the Lusaka club.
Furthermore, Zesco has won all five of their last league meetings, conceding just two goals along the way.
A 1-1 draw in 2012 was Napsa’s best result against the four-time champions.
Zesco will be banking keeping that good record led by veteran striker Winston Kalengo and Cletus Chota including the free-scoring Justin Zulu who has scored three goals in their five competitive games.
Napsa captain, Donwell Yobe said his team was focusing on winning the 2015 league and were prepared for Zesco.
Zesco, however, will not want to drop any points as they are eager to defend the MTN league and  Barclays Cup.
Coach George Lwandamina will be careful in his team selection as he is also preparing Zesco for the Champions League return leg against AS Kaloum in Mali on April 5.
Power v Dynamos
In Kitwe, bruised Power Dynamos also kick-off their league campaign after attending to continental commitments last weekend in Gabon where they lost 4-0 to CF Mounana.
Power renew rivalries with one of their most stubborn rivals Lusaka Dynamos for the first time since 2010 when in that season the two sides’ played out to a scoreless draw in Lusaka away and 1-1 result in Kitwe.
Promoted Dynamos have not beaten Power since 2008 when they won 2-0 in Lusaka and will be hunting for their first win at Arthur Davies Stadium since 2008 where they picked up a 1-0 victory that season.
Dynamos coach Perry Mutapa will be seeking his first win after Green Eagles sunk his side last Saturday with a late 1-0 win in Lusaka.
However, the pressure is very much on Power who have lost their last two competitive games – 3-1 to Zesco in Charity Shield final and 4-0 to Mounana in Confederation Cup.
Power will also begin their 2015 campaign without head coach, Tenant Chilumba, who is away with the Zambia Under-23 squad in Nigeria on national assignment.
Elsewhere this afternoon, Zanaco kick-off their season away at Dola Hill in Ndola against Forest Rangers while Nkana search for their first points of the season when they visit Konkola Blades.
Mufulira Wanderers make their first top flight to Lusaka since 2005 to play Nkwazi in a Woodlands Stadium doubleheader to be broadcast live on pay television, Supersport.
Red Arrows will later host Nchanga Rangers in the late kick-off at the same venue.
In Choma, Green Eagles host Green Buffaloes seeking another three points after shocking promoted Dynamos last Saturday.
Tomorrow, National Assembly will host Nakambala Leopards at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.