Kalampa and Young Buffaloes vie for first ever Barclays Cup title

FAZ Division One League side Young Green Buffaloes will, for the first time in history, play in a Barclays Cup final when they come up against 2014 finalists Nkana at the National Heroes Stadium on Saturday.

Both teams have never won the competition before, although Nkana came close four years ago when they lost the final 3-0 to Zesco United.

It has been quite a fairy tale for Young Green Buffaloes, who overcame Muza, holders Zanaco and Green Buffaloes enroute to the final. Although there are doubts that they can overcome their more accomplished opponents, coach Josephat Mulenga has designed his team to press opponents in all departments, a system which worked well in victories over Zanaco and Green Buffaloes.

On the other hand, Nkana coach Beston Chambeshi will be aiming for his second individual title, having led Power Dynamos to glory in 2011. He reached the final again the following year only to lose on post-match penalties to less fancied Napsa Stars.

Chambeshi will not have Idris Mbombo at his disposal, the influential Congolese striker having moved to Sudanese outfit Al Hilal a fortnight ago. Despite that setback, Nkana are still in a fantastic position to overcome their lower league opponents, with enough ammunition in Walter Bwalya, Ronald Kampamba, Simon Bwalya and Festus Mbewe.

With only one more win required for a first Barclays Cup title for either side, both sets of fans will have something to be excited about when they troop to the National Heroes Stadium.

Whichever side wins the biggest prize in Zambian football, history will have been made.

The winner will walk away with K400,000.00 while the runner-up will receive K200,000.00.

The coach of the tournament will walk way with K15, 000.00 while the man-of-the-match will be given K5, 000.00 in addition to a one year hospital cover plan from Barclays Life.