By Angela Bambala Bwalya
ZANACO head coach Numba Mumamba says his side is determined to end their poor run of form when they face defending champions Power Dynamos tomorrow in a crucial Week 30 MTN Super League clash at Arthur Davies Stadium, with kick-off set for 15:00 local time.
The Bankers go into the fixture seventh on the table with 42 points after a 2-1 defeat to Green Eagles last weekend, a result that stretched their difficult spell to just one win in their last five league matches, alongside two draws and two defeats.
Despite recent struggles, Mumamba remains confident his team can rise to the occasion against the league leaders.
“We’ve prepared accordingly. The team is set for Power Dynamos. This is going to be an interesting one,” Mumamba said in his pre-match interview.
“The players are motivated for this game. We’ve gone three games in a row on a losing streak, and this is the time to make amends.”
ZANACO face a stern test against a Power Dynamos side enjoying another strong campaign.
The Kitwe giants sit top of the standings with 64 points and are unbeaten in their last eight Super League matches, maintaining the consistency that has kept them on course to defend their title.
Mumamba acknowledged the challenge but believes his squad has what it takes to compete.
“We know Power are the defending champions and they are playing and winning games week in, week out,” he said.
“But looking at the players that we have and the preparations that we have done, we have a team that can go and win against Power Dynamos.”
He also pointed to the squad’s mentality as a key factor heading into the encounter.
“The confidence is good in the team. Everyone is excited and looking forward to the Power Dynamos game.
“Of course pressure will be there, but we have the technical bench and a team that can withstand the pressure.”
One of ZANACO’s biggest concerns in recent weeks has been their inability to convert chances, something Mumamba says has been a major focus in training.
“We just have to make sure we go there and enjoy ourselves, and if we have chances, we convert them unlike what has been happening in the last three games,” he said.
“These are games where we’ve created numerous chances but have come out as losers. We’ve worked on our finishing. We hope the players will rise to the occasion and convert the chances we will create against Power.”
The reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a 1-0 win for ZANACO, offering proof they can trouble the champions.
However, current form favours Power Dynamos, who are unbeaten in their last 14 matches across all competitions, while ZANACO have lost their last three in all competitions.
Recent meetings between the two sides have also been closely contested, with one win each and five draws in their last seven encounters.
