By NDINAWE SIMPELWE –
NKANA and Zesco United renew their rivalry today with the Charity Shield title on line at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Nkana progressed to the final after a convincing 3-0 win against league champions Zanaco while Zesco dispatched Charity Shield defending champions Power Dynamos 4-2 in the semi-final matches played on the Thursday.
Zesco will be out for revenge as their last meeting at the same venue last season in the league ended with a 3-2 win for the Kitwe giants which was their first loss against Zesco six year.
Not so much has changed since that victory, save for the head coaches at both teams though ZeddySaileti was in charge of the team as an assistant when Nkana recorded their famous win while Zlatko Krmpotic has taken over the reigns at Zesco to replace George Lwandamina.
Krmpotic, who was sent off in the semi-final and is likely to be in the terraces today admitted that the team was not at its best and expected more today.
He said despite beating Power 4-2, Zesco can perform better today and carry the day.
He has some injury concerns, though. Striker Jackson Mwanza is a major doubt after limping off against Power and Idris Mbombo is carrying a knock.
The two injuries may come as blessing to new signing Patrick Kongolo who can come in to partner Jesse Were who scored a hattrick against Power.
Saileti on the other hand will be eager to prove that last season triumph against Zesco was not a fluke.
He said the main aim of competing in the competition was to prepare the team for the 2017 season and was happy that he had qualified to the final.
“It is the final, anything can happen. When you reach the final any team can win it. Our plan was to play two big games before the league starts. We have gone through from the semi-final. I think we have achieved what we wanted,” Saileti said.
Nkana looked sharp against Zanaco especially in the frontline where Ronald Kampamba looks back in form and his combination with last year’s top scorer Walter Bwalya seems unstoppable.
It will be a real test for the Zescodefense as they prepare for their CAF Confederation Cup group play-off against Enugu Rangers of Nigeria next week.