By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Zanaco coach Numba Mumamba has challenged his side to bounce back from their home defeat to Konkola Blades when they host NAPSA Stars in a Week Three clash of the 2026 MTN Super League Transitional Season on Saturday.
The Bankers suffered a 3-2 loss to Konkola Blades in their previous outing and will be eager to respond at Sunset Stadium, with Mumba stressing the importance of collecting maximum points against opponents who have enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings.
NAPSA Stars have won seven of the last 10 encounters between the two sides, with Zanaco claiming two victories and the other match ending in a draw.
Mumamba acknowledged that record as an added motivation for his players, insisting that his side must produce a stronger performance to reverse the trend.
“This is a game that is very important. Looking at where we are coming from, we dropped maximum points at home against Konkola Blades, and we are playing here NAPSA Stars, a team that has been a thorn in our flesh,” Mumamba said.
“This time around we have to make amends by making sure that we change the narrative because there is no way a team can be picking up points from us.
“I think this time around we just have to be ready for them so that we fight on the pitch and collect the maximum points that we need.”
Despite the setback against Konkola Blades, Mumba says morale remains high in the Zanaco camp, with the technical bench encouraging the players to put the defeat behind them and focus on Saturday’s assignment.
“The morale in the team is very high. We have encouraged the team after losing to Konkola Blades. They know what is expected of us, and they have shown that commitment in training, and everyone is looking forward to tomorrow’s encounter,” he said.
The coach hopes the positive response on the training ground will translate into a much-improved display against NAPSA Stars as Zanaco seek to get their campaign back on track.
“We pray and hope that we will rise to the occasion and change the narrative by collecting maximum points from NAPSA,” he added.
Mumba also highlighted the importance of avoiding dropped points in a shortened transitional campaign, warning that every result could prove significant in the race for a strong position in Stream A.
With limited fixtures available, the Zanaco coach believes home matches must be treated as opportunities to collect valuable points and keep pace with the teams above them.
“Very important not to drop points, looking at the league that we are in. It is a short league that we have. That is why we have to make sure that we work hard on the pitch, especially when you are playing at home,” Mumamba said.
“You try by all means to collect the three points so that we are in check with the teams that are on top of the log.”
Zanaco currently sit fourth in Stream A with three points, while NAPSA Stars occupy sixth place with two points after drawing 0-0 away to Trident in Kalumbila in their previous match.
The visitors will also be looking to secure their first victory of the campaign, setting up a potentially tight contest between two sides eager to improve their early-season standings.
Mumamba has meanwhile appealed to Zanaco supporters to turn out in numbers and rally behind the team, acknowledging the disappointment caused by the defeat to Konkola Blades.
“Our message to our fans is, let’s come in numbers and be there for the team. We know that we disappointed them, but we have worked on the mistakes that we noticed in that game, and the players are geared and looking forward to this important game that we have,” he said.
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 hours at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka on Saturday, October 17.
