. Chiyangi

By SHAMAOMA MUSONDA –
AGGREY Chiyangi begins probably his toughest job in the MTN-FAZ Premier League today when he leads Nkana on his first assignment against former employers Green Buffaloes.
Nkana hired the former Chipolopolo defender this week to take up the hot seat in Kitwe left by Beston Chambeshi.
As Chiyangi is facing Buffaloes on the first day in office, his immediate-past employers, Zanaco will be hoping to extend their lead at the top of the pile by four points.
Nkana v Buffaloes
Troubled Nkana this afternoon get back into the ‘pressure cooker’ trying to salvage their season when Green Buffaloes come calling and intent on getting an outright win.
Nkana have had a season to forget with an indifferent form that has seen the executive sack coaches at the club twice in just 10 matches and will be hoping that Chiyangi directs the ‘ship’ from the whirlwind.
Presently, the Nkana ship is navigating the troubled waters where they can easily sink and on just 13 points, only three off the drop zone.
A loss this afternoon for the record 12-time league champions will see them start dating relegation.
Wired 3-0 by Lusaka Dynamos last weekend and Chambeshi subsequently fired, Nkana just got a dose of what has been pending all season as they have not imposed themselves and would welcome anything to help them, even when you mention divine intervention.
But Nkana can be comforted by the fact that the Zambia Army side has never beaten them in the last five games.
So whether Chiyangi will be the deliverer remains to be seen.
Buffaloes coach Bilton Musonda, seemingly in no compromising mood, hopes to go for a win.
Standing on 17 points, four behind leaders Zanaco, Buffaloes could move into second place with a win at Nkana.
Blades v Zanaco
Leaders Zanaco remain unbeaten this year and this outing to Konkola Blades in Chililabombwe does not look like one where they will surrender that zero on the table.
Zanaco may be missing forwards Moses Phiri and Dave Daka but their games have been won in midfield and some clever high-pressing which makes Blades, a team that likes playing and attacking, a perfect model of their victim.
To stop Zanaco, Blades will have to surrender their fluent play and probably put an extra man in midfield.
Knowing that they are in the lower embers of the table, Blades may try everything at their disposal to stop Zanaco from further breaking away.
A win can take Zanaco to 24 points, four clear of champions Zesco United, who are out of action this weekend.
Wanderers v Napsa
‘Mighty’ Mufulira Wanderers will be seeking redemption when they host struggling Napsa Stars at Shinde Stadium this afternoon.
Wanderers are coming from back-to-back losses and will need an outright win at home against 15th placed Napsa, who have only managed seven points so far.
But Wanderers are punching slightly above their weight this season and because of that, every bookmaker will give them a win in this match.
Wanderers are sixth on the table with 14 points from 10 games.
Rangers v Nakambala
Nchanga Rangers had a flurry start to the year but the hard realities of life have brought them to joint second from the bottom on seven points.
This afternoon Rangers with coach Fighton Simukonda busy with national duties, will be up against Nakambala Leopards, who tasted ‘sweet’ victory last weekend against Napsa.
Nkwazi v Forest
Nkwazi is the best performing promotion side and their lofty standing on the table can be justified with their flair display and against an inconsistent Forest Rangers at home, they can be sure of bagging this one.
Forest, however, will also be heading into this fixture on high after beating Blades last weekend.