By MICHAEL MIYOBA
AFTER losing the military derby last weekend to rivals Green Eagles, Red Arrows will today seek redemption when they host giants killers Mutondo Stars in a Week-17 MTN Zambia Super League match at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
The Airmen are third on the Super League table with 26 points, one point behind second-placed Nkwazi FC and six points behind the league leaders Zesco United who are on 32 points.
Arrows will fight hard to claim the three points at stake to cement a third-place finish in the first round of the Super League and qualify for the lucrative ABSA Cup.
Arrows head coach Chisi Mbewe has predicted a tough game against Mutondo Stars who have been impressive since their promotion to the Super League.
Despite Arrows being the favourites, Mbewe said the Airmen will not underrate the Kitwe-based side as they seek a positive result to qualify for the Absa Cup.
“We aim to kick off the second round with a strong performance. Qualifying for the Absa Cup is crucial for us, as the competition is fierce. Our goal is to participate in the Absa Cup, and a solid finish against the challenging Mutondo side would be highly appreciated,” Mbewe said.
He said Arrows will unfortunately be missing their captain, Benedict Chepeshi due to illness while George Mandu is nursing a knee injury.
However, Arrows are motivated by the return of strikers Ricky Banda and Chitiya Mususu who have recovered from their injuries.
The Airmen will have to come up with a perfect plan to stop striker Titus Chansa who has proven to be Mutondo’s most valuable player with three goals in the last three games.
Menwhile, today’s clash at Nkoloma Stadium presents another tricky test for Mutondo who seem to have punched above their weight as they are eighth on the Super League table with 24 points from seven wins, three draws and seven defeats.
Motivated by three consecutive wins over Zanaco FC, Kabwe Warriors and Kansanshi Dynamos in the last three matches, the Zeddy Saileti-drilled outfit will fight to protect their winning streak as they chase for Absa Cup qualification.
A win over Arrows will guarantee Mutondo’s appearance in the 2024 Absa Cup as they will finish the first round among the top six.
