Power Dynamos will host Nkana FC in the Kitwe derby on Saturday ahead of the Zambia v Kenya match.
Its a game that will see the second and third placed team on the log battle in what is expected to be on of the most exciting matches of the season with an array of talent on both sides.
There will be interesting duels to watch out for in the derby match.
1. Walter Bwalya (Nkana)Â v Francis Kasonde (Power Dynamos)
High scoring Walter Bwalya who is making a claim for a Chipolopolo call up will be up against 2012 Africa Cup of Nations winning defender Francis Kasonde. Despite not having a lot of pace, Kasonde has great timing and is a calm figure in defense. He will have to contend with a mobile striker in Bwalya who has great ability on the ball and a good physique.
Walter is expected to win the battle.
2. Jacob Ngulube (Nkana)Â v Benson Sakala (Power Dynamos)
Jacob Ngulube has been instrumental in pulling the strings in the Nkana midfielder and is having a stellar season which has seen him make his national team debut. He has not only been good at creating for other but his late runs into the box have seen him weigh-in with goals as well. He comes face to face with robust defensive midfielder Benson Sakala who is very combative in midfield. Sakala stands strong when it comes to one on one battles and has great ability to track the runners which makes up for his other areas of lack….
It will be a battle between the two most promising midfielders but Sakala is expeceted to eclipse Ngulube.
3. Kelvin Kampamba (Power Dynamos) v Diego Apanane (Nkana)
Nimble footed Kampamba is enjoying great form and has been banging in goals from set pieces and open play at will. He is comfortable on the ball and does not need a second invitation to tear down any defender. He will be up against tough tackling and steady Apanane. The full back rarely puts a foot wrong and Kampamba will have a wall to climb to get his way.
In the form he is in right now, Kampamba will win this battle as his movement on and off the ball will count for him.
4. Patson Daka (Power Dynamos) v Joseph Musonda (Nkana)
17 year old Patson Daka will be up against a man 22 years older than him. The teen striker is on his best run of form, his high work rate ability to fight for every ball in attack remain his strength. He is looking dangerous both on the ground and in the air.
Its hard to imagine that Daka will have a new trick in his bag to outwit Musonda, the veteran 2012 Africa Cup of Nations gold medal winner. Musonda is expected to win this battle
Which interesting battles are you looking forward to in this derby????
Why is it called Kopala- why not Ndeke/ Wusakile?? Anyone know?
Kopala is street slang for Copper. Since the biggest game in the nation is played in the biggest city on the Copperbelt, it’s simply referred to as the KOPALA Derby or Le El Kopala
Many thanks.