By NDINAWE SIMPELWE –
NKANA will be hoping to take advantage of the big guns’ absence to extend their lead at the summit of the MTN-FAZ Super League table with a win over Kabwe Warriors at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.
The league may be just entering week four, but the excitement and pressure for some fans and clubs is already overwhelming.
Nkana fans already believe their side will win this year’s title after a perfect start of three straight wins while the same cannot be said about their city rivals Power Dynamos, who have already pressed the panic button by demanding a turnaround in fortunes from their technical bench.
Power will be relieved not to be in action as their opponents Zanaco are preparing for a CAF Confederation Cup tie against Stade Gabesien which will give them more time to reorganise after back to back defeats while Zesco United’s game against Red Arrows has also been postponed as the champions are in Mali for their CAF Champions League clash.
Second placed Lusaka Tigers will be praying for a Nkana slip so that they can go top with a big win over Green Buffaloes at Independence Stadium in a double header involving Lusaka Dynamos who face Nchanga Rangers to be televised live on SuperSport.
Nkana v Warriors
Aggrey Chiyangi’s second year at Nkana has started in blistering form winning the first three matches which has raised emotions among the passionate fans that the league title maybe headed to “Chilata”.
Nkana face Warriors this afternoon with a view of maintaining their perfect start and extending the lead at the top but their opponents can have also have a say on the outcome of the match looking at the massive support they enjoy countrywide.
Warriors’ return to the Super League has started on a slow note after drawing their first two matches and coach Mohammed Fathy is under pressure to get his first win which sets this match as a must-watch clash.
Blackpool v Wanderers
The first Mufulira derby will get underway at Kachofa Stadium with more than just three points to play for but bragging rights on the line.
Despite enjoying the success and limelight, ‘Mighty’ Mufulira Wanderers are still considered the second biggest side in Mufulira after Mufulira Blackpool.
Wanderers’ coach Manfred Chabinga knows the encounter will be tough especially that the hosts are yet to pick any point this season.
“You know these boys are friends. They play together, so when they meet in the derby they want to show who is better. It will be a very tough game I know. They haven’t won a game but that doesn’t mean they are a bad side,” Chabinga said.
Blackpool coach Weston Mumba will be hoping his side gets a win to jumpstart their campaign before they become early candidates of relegation battles.
Buffaloes v Tigers
This match set for 15:00 hours brings together two teams with contrasting ambitions with Buffaloes playing to bounce back as one of the big clubs in the country and challenge for titles while Tigers are making a comeback to the top flight after many years of division one football.
Buffaloes will be expected to be favourites but it will be Tigers’ fans who will be making the noise in the stadium as the venue is within their locality and more so that their team is second on the log.
Coach Bilton Musonda has already proven he is a good coach since taking charge of Buffaloes and if he is to launch a serious challenge for the title these are games he is expected to win.
Full Fixtures: Nkana v Warriors, Buffaloes v Tigers, Dynamos v Rangers, Nakambala Leopards v Green Eagles, Nkwazi v Lumwana Radiants, Napsa Stars v Forest Rangers.