By Precious Bwale
All eyes are on the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium this afternoon as Nkana host Power Dynamos in the biggest derby in the land the ‘Kitwe Derby’ which headlines week eleven action in the MTN Super League.
This is a fixture that has never been defined by current form, history has always shown that derbies write their own stories.
Nkana enter this clash on the back of a painful 10 game winless run, yet rivalries like this are known to revive broken spirits and shift momentum in an instant.
Power Dynamos, meanwhile arrive with confidence. Oswald Mutapa’s side have shown strength looking at how tight their fixture schedule has been yet they have managed to get wins and will be eager to extend that momentum in this derby.
This first round of the derby is even bigger better as there will be extra eyes on this showdown,The Republican President of Zambia, His Excellence Hakainde Hichilema, is expected to be in attendance.
The Head of State has also purchased 30,000 tickets for fans to watch today’s derby, adding even more significance to this fixture.
However, one major talking point remains since Mutapa took charge of Power Dynamos, he is yet to defeat Nkana. That adds extra pressure and extra motivation heading into this derby.
Nkana Coach Mwenya Chipepo says he is expecting a difficult match but he feels this is the time to end the winless run.
“It’s going to be a very difficult game but we want to make sure we win something because we have struggled a lot,” he said.
“We are disappointed we are not supposed to be where we are. Last season we did very well and expected better. But we will keep fighting, we won’t surrender.”
Power Dynamos have only managed to score more than one goal in two games in their previous 13 matches all in all Competitions but Coach Oswald Mutapa is not worried as he feels one day they will get the goals as they are creating chances.
“Creating chances gives us an edge. One day we will score more than two, more than three. We are building momentum,” he said.
“We need the right attitude not because Nkana is struggling. Every game is important.”
“We are coming from three straight wins and we would love to build on it. We are champions and we have to play like champions tomorrow. Maybe I haven’t won this derby yet but we’ve done the work,” he added.
Nkana midfielder Francis Zulu has emphasized on enjoying the game with a peaceful atmosphere.
“Let’s enjoy the game with peaceful minds. We are ready.It’s a family game let’s think of the kids at the stadium and behave,” he said.
Meanwhile Power Dynamos defender Samuel Bamidele Adoyeji says the defending Champions focus is winning the derby to make it four wins in a row.
“We are not focused on the three wins our focus is the derby. We want to make it four.”
Elsewhere, A battle of two winless sides will take centre stage at Edwin Imboela Stadium. Nkwazi welcome Mines United with both sides desperate for a win.
Nkwazi are coming off a narrow 1-0 loss to Power Dynamos while Mines United have managed to get two points from their last two games.
At President Stadium, Another winless side, FC Leopards will be in action as they welcome NAPSA Stars.
The Pensioners are coming off a big morale boosting 1-0 win over ZESCO United while FC Leopards rescued a point against Mines United in their last game.
Sipho Mumbi’s side have also been boostedby the return of winger Kenneth Kasanga who missed the last two games due to injury.
Out of form ZESCO United are away to FC MUZA at Mazabuka’s Nakambala Stadium with Emmanuel Siwale desperate for a win.
The nine time MTN Super League Champions have lost their last three league games and face MUZA side that is difficult to beat at home.
Zega Mambo have only lost once to FC MUZA on their previous five meetings which could be something to build on for the Ndola based outfit.
On Sunday, rejuvenated Konkola Blades welcome in form Green Eagles at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.
Blades have recorded back to back wins but face a team that has not lost in any of their last 5 five games.
It will be a battle if tactical superiority between the principal Perry Mutapa and ‘Ama Be’ Beston Chambeshi.
Benjamin Saeli and Kelvin Kapumbu have made a brilliant midfield partnership but will come up against the slick Collins ‘ Malouda’ Sikombe who has been in fine form for the Kawale Boys.
Winless Kansanshi Dynamos welcome Nchanga Rangers in a bid to record their first win of the season.
It will be the first game since the club parted ways with the Zeddy Saileti led technical bench and Yoram Kasempa will be expected to take charge.
Brave Nchanga Rangers ended their three match winless run with a 1-0 win over MUZA.
Sensational ZANACO will be looking to return to winning ways when they welcome Mighty Mufulira Wanderers at Sunset Stadium.
They were handed a first loss of the season last weekend by Green Eagles and will be keen to get back on track.
Mufulira Wanderers on the other hand are coming off a 1-0 loss to Kabwe Warriors.
Meanwhile in Kabwe the only unbeaten team in the league, Red Arrows faces off with the Magnificent People’s team.
The Airmen will be looking to keep their unbeaten run intact while Kabwe Warriors will be eager to build on their 1-0 win over Mufulira Wanderers.
The Airmen have only lost once to Kabwe Warriors in the last seven meetings.
