By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Kansanshi Dynamos assistant coach Dennis Makinka says the club remains fully focused on securing a top-ten finish in the MTN Super League, regardless of any possible changes to the league’s relegation structure by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).
The Mabanga Boys currently sit 10th on 39 points with three matches remaining after holding newly crowned champions Power Dynamos to a goalless draw in their last outing.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Week 32 clash against relegation threatened FC Leopards in Solwezi, Makinka stressed that the club’s ambitions stretch beyond merely avoiding relegation.
“Obviously one of our tasks was to survive relegation and push to the top ten. Even if FAZ changes the relegation slots, our target remains finishing in the top ten,” Makinka said.
“It’s not about fighting relegation but finishing in the top ten.”
The Kansanshi assistant coach believes maximum points from the remaining fixtures will be crucial if the club is to achieve its objective.
“We are pushing for the top ten and for us to achieve that we need to pick maximum points. If we can win all three games, better for us, and if we can get two it’s also good, but we are hoping to get all three,” he added.
Dynamos face an FC Leopards side rejuvenated under experienced coach Kachinga. Leopards sit 17th on 28 points and remain deep in the relegation battle, but recent performances have shown signs of improvement despite their 2-0 defeat to last time out.
“It’s going to be a tough match against FC Leopards with the new coach, coach Kachinga. He’s obviously very experienced in the type of play, and they are playing so well,” Makinka said.
“In the past games they have recorded a few wins, so we expect a very tough game. We will just treat it with the seriousness that it deserves as we push to try and finish in the top ten.”
Makinka also confirmed that a number of players, including Kapumbu, were undergoing late fitness assessments ahead of the encounter.
“We are still trying to look at them but will see after this morning’s session. The doctor will confirm,” he explained.
The reverse fixture ended in a convincing 3-0 victory for Kansanshi Dynamos, although recent meetings between the two sides have been closely contested. Across their last seven encounters, both teams have recorded two wins apiece, with three matches ending level.
Wednesday’s match kicks off at 15:00 at Independence Stadium in Solwezi.
