…as Nkwazi and Green Buffaloes clash in service derby
By MICHAEL MIYOBA
AFTER a month-long break, the MTN Zambia Super League resumes today with leaders Zesco United seeking nothing but a win when they face Konkola Blades in a Week-21 fixture at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.
Zesco United dominate the Super League table with 39 points and a win is a must for them to avoid being dethroned at the summit of the log by Red Arrows who one point behind.
However, Blades have never tasted defeat since they engaged experienced Beston Chambeshi as head coach and today’s clash is a tough test for both teams seeking to protect their good form.
Meanwhile, relegation threatened Napsa Stars will host Kabwe Warriors in a lunch time kick off of the double header at Edwin Imboela Stadium in Lusaka.
Napsa Stars Head Coach, Perry Mutapa believes the game will not be an easy match for the Pensioners who are determined to escape the relegation zone.
“This season, Kabwe Warriors have done very well and they are in the top six. They have the confidence but even us the break gave us time to make sure that we work on our mistakes,” Mutapa said.
“In the second round all the games will be tough but the most important thing, yes we are in the relegation zone but if we are consistent and get two or three wins then we will be talking about being in the top eight so the most important thing is to work hard and make sure that we collect maximum points,” he said.
Mutapa will hope that the new signings Vincent Uburu, Paul Banda and Raphael Mala will help the Pensioners to avoid relegation.
In the second match of the double header at Edwin Imboela Stadium, High Flying Nkwazi FC will seek to redeem themselves from three consecutive defeats when they face Green Buffaloes.
The service derby promises sparks as Buffaloes, who are 13th on the log will target a win to avoid dropping into the relegation zone.
At Shinde Stadium, “Mighty” Mufulira, Wanderers will aim to maintain their winning run when they host Sensational Zanaco FC after beating Kabwe Warriors in their last league fixture.
Red Arrows, who are on a four-game winning streak will aim to protect their winning run when they face Trident FC at the Independence Stadium in Solwezi.
The Airmen are second on the log with 38 points, one point behind Zesco United and a win in Solwezi may propel the Chisi Mbewe-drilled outfit to the summit of the league table.
After 20 games played, Trident remains as the only team without a win and are bottom on the log with 10 points.
At Nakambala Stadium in Mazabuka, FC Muza will welcome struggling Nkana FC who are seeking to escape the relegation zone while Prison Leopards, who are second from bottom will seek redemption when they face Kansanshi Dynamos in Kabwe.
At the Dola Hill Stadium in Ndola, Forest Rangers will face Mutondo Stars in a match which coach Mwenya Chipepo believes will not be an easy fixture for his charges who will be seeking revenge after losing the first-round fixture 3-2.
Tomorrow, the FAZ Super League action will see Green Eagles taking on defending champions Power Dynamos who will be playing their first match with Osward Mutapa as the new head coach.
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