SPICY DERBY …As Napsa, Zanaco clash in Lusaka derby under new coaches
AFTERbeing humiliated 4-0 by Buildcon, Sensational Zanaco FC begin life without head coach Chris Kaunda who has been sent on leave when they face struggling Napsa Stars who also placed head coach Mohamed Fathi on administrative leave following a poor run of losses.
The rescheduled Week- 25 tie slated for Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka promises to be an enthralling affair as Napsa Stars will also be looking to avoid defeat to bounce back from a 1-0 loss to Kabwe Warriors on Wednesday.
While Zanaco are seeking three points to reduce Zesco’s lead at the summit to five points, Napsa Stars will fight for a win to escape the relegation zone where they seat on 16th position with 36 points.
With Kaunda out of the picture, Zanaco will be led by team manager Robin Munsanka and assistant coach Henry Banda, a former Zanaco player who is expecting today’s derby at Woodlands Stadium to be very explosive.
“The match will be explosive because both teams are fighting for something. It will be tough because it is a local derby and it has always been difficulty playing Napsa Stars but we have prepared enough and the boys are looking forward to this game so that we can be able to redeem ourselves and achieve our objectives for this season,” Banda said. While Zanaco will look to top scorers Rodger Kola and Moses Phiri to inspire them to victory, Napsa Stars caretaker coach Chintu Kampamba has the young Jimmy Mukeya as the potential threat to destroy Zanaco’s back four led by Ziyo Tembo.
Mukeya, who has been linked with a transfer move to South Africa’s Orlando Pirates will likely combine with 2012 AFCON winner Emmanuel Mayuka and Bornwell Mwape to get the needed win for Napsa Stars.
In midfield, Chintu Kampamba will look to captain Dickson Chapa, Jacob Ngulube while Luka Banda and Luka Nguni are expected to partner in central defense.
Meanwhile, runaway league leaders Zesco United will host Kitwe United in tomorrow’s only league match at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Bruised by a surprise 3-0 defeat to Prison Leopards on Wednesday, Zesco United will make sure not to make Zanaco’s mistake which resulted in defeat to the relegation bound side on Wednesday when they face Kitwe United.
The Kitwe side, the league’s whipping boys have of late showed they will go down fighting, beating Nkana and Zesco by 2-1 scorelines apiece.