Kansanshi Dynamos assistant coach Dennis Makinka says the team is bracing for a difficult encounter against title-chasing Red Arrows in Wednesday’s MTN Super League clash.
Makinka will once again take charge on the bench as head coach Mohamed Fathi has been excused to attend to a family matter, according to the club’s official website.
The Solwezi-based side travel to Lusaka for a Week 24 fixture at Nkoloma Stadium where they face an Arrows side eager to bounce back from defeat.
The Mabanga Boys currently sit 13th on the table with 25 points from 23 matches, while the Airmen occupy second place with 43 points.
Kansanshi arrived in Lusaka on Monday and have been preparing for the midweek encounter following an important 2-0 victory over Mufulira Wanderers last weekend. In contrast, Red Arrows suffered a 2-1 away defeat to FC MUZA.
Speaking ahead of the match, Makinka acknowledged the scale of the challenge awaiting his side.
“Another tough game. Red Arrows are coming from a loss and they will be wounded, especially playing at their home ground,” Makinka said.
“They are a very good team with quality players and they always want to stamp authority at Nkoloma.”
He emphasized the importance of collecting points as the battle to move away from the relegation zone intensifies.
“The games are coming very fast, so we need positive results whether away or at home. We want to completely come out of the relegation zone and every point is important at this stage.”
Makinka also revealed that Kansanshi will approach the match cautiously while looking to capitalise on any opportunities that arise.
“We have to be cautious because Red Arrows are dangerous, especially at home. We will wait for our moments and if we can strike from there, we will.”
With three matches scheduled within a short period, squad management will be crucial for the North Western Province outfit.
“The fixtures are congested, but we have a big squad. We travelled with 22 players and we will try to rotate because we also have another tough game on Sunday,” he explained.
On the injury front, Makinka confirmed that most of the squad remains available.
“Apart from the players who missed the weekend game against Mufulira Wanderers, the rest of the squad is fine and available.”
The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw, setting the stage for another competitive contest in Lusaka.
Historically, the teams have been closely matched. In their previous nine meetings, Kansanshi Dynamos have won three, Red Arrows have won four, while two matches have ended in draws.
