By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Ndola United will host Indeni FC this Saturday in a tense Ndola derby, with both sides eager to secure vital points in the National League.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Indeni head coach Benson Chambeshi acknowledged the unpredictable nature of derby matches despite his side winning the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
“It’s a local derby. Normally local derbies are tricky games. We just have to play our cards right. We played the first game and we won. We are also wounded but we want to pick three points.”
Chambeshi admitted that last week’s defeat away to Lumwana Radiants is still painful, especially because he felt his side should have taken something from the game.
“We had a meeting with the players. The game that we lost in Lumwana, we lost and we have accepted, but that was a game we were supposed to win. What we have done in training and the corrections we have made should usher us to win this game.”
The experienced tactician also addressed the squad situation, noting that injuries and absences are part of the game but insisting the team has enough depth to cope.
“Like I always say, football is a physical game. We can have injuries and people missing games due to various reasons. But we have depth. The coming in of other players should bring morale to the team so that we achieve what we want.”
Chambeshi also called on the Indeni faithful to turn up in numbers and rally behind the team, emphasizing the convenience of the venue for local supporters.
“I expect them to come and give us support. Of course it’s in Ndola — Masala is very close to their homes — so we need everyone on board so that when we win, we celebrate together.”
Ndola United head into the clash under pressure, sitting 15th on the table with 26 points as they battle to move out of the relegation zone. Indeni FC are relatively more comfortable in 10th place with 32 points, though they remain within reach of the chasing pack, making the derby significant for both teams.
The match will be played at Musa Kasonka Stadium in Ndola, with kick-off set for 15:00.
