By NDINAWE SIMPELWE –
ZANACO will be hoping to get back to winning ways after recording three straight draws to close the gap on Nkana to just a one point at the summit of the MTN-FAZ Super League when they host Red Arrows in a Week 13 fixture.
With league leaders Nkana not playing until tomorrow, second placed Zanaco will be looking to close in on the table toppers with a win against local rivals Arrows at Sunset while as Nkwazi and Green Buffaloes seek to close up on champions Zesco United.
Coach Tenant Chilumba starts his new role at Napsa with an away tie against an impressive Green Buffaloes side with a task of inspiring the struggling to swim out of relegation.
Zesco’s game against Lusaka Dynamos has been postponed while Nkana will host Lumwana Radiants tomorrow in a match to be shown on SuperSport while ‘Mighty Mufulira Wanderers host Nakambala Leopards in live television action.
Zanaco v Arrows
Zanaco have 22 points and trail Nkana by four points and though they have remained unbeaten so far, the Numba Mumamba tutored side has drawn four from their last five matches.
Mumamba knows he needs to start winning to ease the pressure from the fans and his rotational system is slowly paying dividends as opponents have failed to master which player to look out for.
The dip in form for the bankers will, however, give hope to Arrows who are yet to stump their authority on the league this season.
Arrows who are on 11th position with 13 points will also look to bounce back to winning ways after drawing their last two games but will be desperate for points as they seek to catch up on the pacesetters.
Buffaloes v Napsa
It is a fixture Chilumba would have wanted to avoid in his first assignment but if he is to establish himself and restore confidence in Napsa, then the stage is perfectly set for that.
Buffaloes will be missing key players in skipper Christopher Katongo, Buchizya Mufune, Adrian Chama and Stephen Kabamba who are with the national team in Togo which is a big opportunity for Napsa to pick their third win of the season.
Buffaloes are fifth with 18 points while Napsa have 11 points on 16th position.
Wanderers v Nakambala
This fixture brings together two teams that were abandoned by their coaches and are still in search of replacements.
Whereas it was shocking to see Patrick Phiri leave Nakambala owing to the team’s good start, it was not surprising to see Manfred Chabinga resign at Wanderers as he could not cope with the pressure that came with a string of poor results.
Nothing much has changed since the departure of the coaches as Nakambala have continued with their push to be among the top teams while Wanderers are two places above the relegation zone.
The rest of the fixtures today will see Kabwe Warriors hosting Green Eagles, Forest Rangers will visit Nchanga Rangers as Lusaka Tigers host Nkwazi.
