It’s the new season again, The derby and fans from both sides will be waiting in anticipation as a chance to brag and rub in in the faces of their old enemies will be on the line.
This clash between the Landlords, Livingstone Pirates and the peoples’ team Maramba Stars is often not a big goal-scoring affair as it has been the case over the last two seasons. The form does not play a part in determining the outcome of this big encounter as it goes right out of the window.
In recent meetings, its often been the side with lesser momentum that cames out all guns blazing on the day. Pirates have never beaten Stars in a league match since maramba won promotion in 2018.
Usually, the match between the two is won by tactical mistakes from the technical bench. Some decisions usually come back t haunt coaches and there assistants while working in favor of their opponents.
PAST MEETINGS
This will be the 5th meeting between Pirates and Maramba since 2018. The last four meetings have seen the people’s team Maramba Stars winning with three ending in draws while Pirates continue to search for their first win in this fixture.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Poniso Lisali ( Pirates)- The 20-year-old striker is tough and has the ability to take on defenders with his pace as his biggest weapon. The former Katima striker is difficult to handle. Stars defense has to watch out for the young striker.
Phinious Linyando ( Maramba)- He has a lot of paces that makes it difficult for defenders to handle him. Linyando also knows how to take on defenders especially when given a free role in midfield.
Luka Mukosela ( Pirates) -He causes havoc in the defense of the opponents and he is very deadly on goal.
Davies Lubinda ( Maramba) -He is strong and quick and always edges ahead of his opponents.
COACHES REACTION
Maramba Stars coach Joseph Mwale believes his team is the underdogs and that the pressure is on the Landlords.
“We are underdogs. The pressure is with Pirates,” Mwale told the ZamFoot Crew in an exclusive interview.
Pirates boss Bupe Chewe, on the other hand, feels Maramba care more about beating his team than winning the league.
“Maramba are motivated to win Pirates than to win the league so the derby won’t be an easy game for us,” Chewe said in an exclusive interview with the ZamFoot Crew.
FORMER PLAYER VIEWS
Former Pirates striker Lineker Mwiikisa who is now playing in Mozambique is expecting a tough game but still believes his team will carry the day while Charlie Williams Siamuloonga another former Pirates forward believes a draw will be a fair result.
“It will be a tough game, derbies are always tricky and competitive but as a former Pirates player, of course, I tip Pirates to win the Game,” Mwiikisa said.
” Mmmm, tough one considering the fact that derbies have no respect for form and teams are just starting the league. A draw will be a fair result for both teams,” Siamuloonga said.
A former Maramba player Ginethon Shandele is confident the People’s team will carry the day while Dackley Kaonga thinks otherwise.
” Maramba Stars will definitely win this one, the worst insult for stars will be a draw,” Shandele said.
” mmm it will be a difficult game but am pretty sure Pirates will carry the day, it will be a tight game because both teams are good in keeping possession,” Kaonga said.
With both teams seemingly looking to open the league campaign on a high, it is anyone’s guess as to who will walk away with the bragging rights after the 5th edition of the Big derby.
