By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Power Dynamos head coach Osward Mutapa says the champions must start their MTN Transitional League campaign on a positive note when they travel to Chililabombwe to face Konkola Blades on Saturday.
The match at Konkola Stadium kicks off at 15:00, with Power returning to the venue where they were crowned MTN Super League champions last season after securing the title against the same opponents.
For Mutapa, that memory adds significance to the opening fixture, but the focus is now on beginning the transitional campaign strongly.
“The first game is important that we start on a positive note and get a positive result. We are champions, so we have to show why we are champions,” Mutapa said.
“Go out there. We won the league last time. Our last game when we were confirmed as champions was in Chililabombwe.”
The Power Dynamos coach is expecting a difficult afternoon, particularly given the challenge of playing away from home.
“It won’t be an easy game. A very difficult ground to go to. But I feel we should be able to get the result as we go there.”
Mutapa backs preparations despite national team absence
Mutapa has spent part of the build-up to the match with the Zambia national team, but says preparations at club level have continued in his absence.
“We have had three sessions. Whether I’m there or not, I think the most important thing is that the team is here,” he said.
“It’s only me that was out in terms of the technical bench, but the rest were around. The job didn’t sleep, everyone was working.”
The coach has also had to assess his options carefully after several players were involved with the national team.
Mutapa says selection was based on what he believes is in the best interests of the team.
“Of course we had players that were available here and those that went to the national team. We have to look at many things to decide,” he said.
“Yes, we had players that were with the national team but not in the team. It’s not against anyone but for the interest of the team.”
Mutapa calls for strong support
With the champions beginning their transitional campaign, Mutapa has urged the Power Dynamos faithful to travel in numbers and get behind the team.
“We ask them to come in numbers to give moral support to the team and we want to give them the result.”
Power Dynamos have named a 20-man squad for the opening fixture, including goalkeepers Josphat Lilanda and Willard Mwanza.
Power Dynamos squad
Goalkeepers: Josphat Lilanda, Willard Mwanza
Defenders: Jackson Mulambia, Kondwani Chiboni, Mathews Chabala, John Soko, Dominic Chanda
Midfielders: Daniel Adoko, Linos Makwaza Jr, Joshua Mutale, Frederick Mulambia, Wilson Chisala, Owen Tembo, Ronel Manyanga, Salulani Phiri, Titus Chansa, Fabrice Ndeh Nsoh, Innocent Kashita
Strikers: Amine Hiver, Andy Boyeli
The recent head-to-head record also gives Power Dynamos a positive record against Konkola Blades. The champions have won five of their last 10 meetings, while Konkola Blades have claimed two victories, with the other three matches ending in draws.
