By NDINAWE SIMPELWE –
ZANACO and Zesco United will today put aside their CAF Championship ambitions as they return to the MTN/FAZ Super League in a Week Eight rescheduled fixture at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium which will host a double header.
There will be more than just the three points to fight for as whoever wins today will have a big psychological advantage towards pushing for the league title.
The two teams recorded contrasting results in their CAF games where Zanaco produced an impressive 1-0 home win against Wydad Casablanca in the Champions League while Zesco was beaten by the same margin away to Al Hilal Obayed in the Confederation Cup.
Zesco coach Zlatko Krmpotic has complained about the congestion of fixtures for his team as he is made to play a game after every three days.
Zesco arrived back in Ndola from Sudan on Friday and only had yesterday to recover and train for the Zanaco game which is one of the most important fixtures of the local league.
Krmpotic knows his players always have psychological problems playing a league game just before a CAF fixture as they will host Revreativo do Libolo next week.
Zanaco coach Mumamba Numa has continued to silence his critics by picking vital points despite many pundits doubting the team at the start of the season.
Zanaco will start as favorites today looking at the form of the two teams but Zesco will want to bounce back strongly after their defeat in Sudan.
Zesco’s  Fackson Kapumbu and Dave Daka will be facing their old team same as Zimisileni Moyo of Zanaco who once represented the Ndola giants.
But it will be a battle of tactics and getting the best of the players from the coaches who met last in the Chairty Shield final where an Idris Mbombo goal was enough to seal the victory for Zesco.
Buildcon vs Eagles
BUILDCON coach Jadrane Hicham received a major boost ahead for today’s clash when the club management declared they were behind him despite a stuttering start to the season where they have only picked one win in seven matches.
Jadrane has indicated that it has taken too long for his players to adapt to his style of play but is optimistic once they grasp it they will become unbeatable.
Buildcon has played very well so far despite poor results and Eagles will grant them a reality check about their credentials to remain in the Super League.
Eagles have enjoyed good form and started very brightly before a dip in form saw them drop some points.
But coach Manfred Chabinga has enough experience to guide his side to victory against any side and he will expect nothing but a win today.