Kabwe Warriors coach Ian Bakala believes the MTN Super League is still open as he targets the league title.
Following Warriors’ 2-1 home defeat to Zanaco on Friday in a rescheduled match at Godfrey ‘Ucar’ Chitalu, the former Zambia midfielder shifted attention to the league.
“I think if you look the league, on top we are just behind by seven points. The league is still open,” said the 41 year old coach.
Warriors are currently 10th on the log with 23 points while leaders Green Buffaloes have 30 points.
Bakala, who had a three year spell at Warriors as a player has asked his players to work had to have a any chance of bringing back the glory days in Kabwe.
“I think we will go on ground and work on it.We just have to work extra hard.
Last season Bakala guided Warriors in the top four.
Kabwe Warriors have won five league titles.
Between 1965 and 1972, the league titles were shared between Shinde Stadium and then Railway Grounds.
Roan United won the first title in 1962 and then Mighty Mufulira Wanderers claimed their first ever title the following year.
Thereafter City of ‘Ya Moto’ Lusaka won it as Zambia celebrated Independence in 1964.
Mufulira Wanderers with Samuel ‘Zoom’ Ndhlovu in their side as player – coach made it three in row from 1965 to 1967. At the back they had a future Zambia captain Dickson Makwaza.
That’s four titles for ‘Mighty’ in their last four years.
Warriors broke Wanderers’ dominance as they won the tile in 1968 but Zoom’s men reclaimed their title the following year.
In 1970, the Njanji-ni-Njanji Boys stunned Wanderers as they won their second titile.
While Wanderers were still trying to re-organise, Warriors went on to make a record signing as Godfrey ‘Ucar’ Chitalu arrived from Kitwe United in 1971.
The legendery striker went on to score 51 goals for club and country to help Warriors defend the title.
In 1972, Chitalu hit new heights as he scored the famous 107 goals as Warriors made three in row.
To date only three clubs have won the league three times in row; Mufulira Wanderers (1965, 1966, 1967), Kabwe Warriors (1970, 1971, 1972) and Zesco United (2017, 2018, 2019)
