Pitched battles in store as Futsal League enters round two

Pitched battles in store as Futsal League enters round two

By MICHAEL MIYOBA

THE FAZ Premier Futsal League returns to action today after a two-week festive season break as teams begin to fight to qualify for the knockout stage.

Defending champions Automotive FC and Kitwe Bullets will renew their rivalry as they lock horns in a week-11 fixture at Automotive Indoor Futsal Arena.

The clash presents Bullets a chance to avenge their first round defeat to Automotive who are seeking to protect their unbeaten record in the FAZ/PFL.

For Automotive FC head coach Andrea Cristoforetti, the second round presents a chance for teams to show how they have improved as they fight for progress to the knockout stage of the league.

“There will be more competition, and I have to say that during the first round of the league I saw teams having better structures tactically so hopefully that will improve more.

“I’m seeing more elements of the game with the flying keeper playing more often and different ways of trying to attack,” Cristoforetti said.

Meanwhile, Lusaka Avengers will want to maintain a winning streak when they face CSS Petauke in today’s game.

Avengers will fight for a win to dislodge Kitwe Bullets on third position while a win for seventh-placed Petauke would see them going two steps up on the 10-team PFL table.

In other FAZ Premier Futsal League fixtures scheduled for today, struggling Livingstone Pirates will seek to bounce back from their 5-2 defeat to Chipata Boys in their last fixture when they host Siavonga Beetles who will also seek redemption from the 6-0 defeat to Kabwe K-Line.

The National Division one league resumes with Mufana Mthunzi facing George FC while Veterans will host Mthunzi FC.