|By Angela Bambala Bwalya|
The MTN Super League season concludes in Chingola this weekend with a tightly contested KCM derby, as Nchanga Rangers welcome rivals Konkola Blades in a fixture carrying both pride and final-day significance.
Nchanga Rangers assistant coach Israel Mwanza says his side are determined to finish the campaign strongly, describing the encounter as a must-win clash for local pride.
“Yes we are going to play the last game against Konkola Blades. It being the local derby and us as a team, we’ve prepared very well and we look forward to the game tomorrow,” Mwanza said.
Rangers head into the fixture fifth on 50 points but without a win in their last three matches. Their most recent outing ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Zanaco FC, a result Mwanza admitted was painful but insisted has already been put behind them.
“Yes we played last week with Zanaco. It was a painful loss but that game is gone. It’s water under the bridge. We are focused on tomorrow’s game,” he said.
The message within the camp has been clear: finish the season on a high.
“The message is very clear, I have told the boys that we go and finish on a high note. We have to finish with power and collect maximum points,” Mwanza added.
Konkola Blades, meanwhile, arrive in ninth place on 45 points after a goalless draw with NAPSA Stars last weekend. They will also draw belief from the reverse fixture earlier in the season, when they edged Nchanga 1-0.
However, the head-to-head record over the last five meetings slightly favours Nchanga Rangers, with two wins compared to Konkola Blades’ one, alongside two draws.
With local pride at stake and supporters expected in large numbers, Mwanza called for a positive atmosphere at Nchanga Stadium.
“The fans have to come in numbers and support our team… no throwing stones and no insults. Just come and enjoy the game,” he said.
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 local time at Nchanga Stadium, Chingola, bringing the curtain down on the season in the Copperbelt derby.
