|By Angela Bambala Bwalya|
Nkana FC assistant coach Donashano Malama says his side is determined to finish the season strongly as they prepare for Saturday’s MTN Super League Week 34 away clash against Kansanshi Dynamos in Solwezi.
Speaking ahead of the final fixture of the campaign, Malama expressed satisfaction with the squad’s response in training following last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to FC MUZA.
“The preparations have been going well so far. The response from the boys has been excellent from the previous game that we lost,” Malama said.
With the season drawing to a close, the Nkana assistant coach stressed the importance of ending the campaign positively.
“The most important thing is how you finish. We are looking forward to a positive result tomorrow,” he added.
The encounter pits together two mid-table sides eager to bounce back after defeats in their previous matches. Nkana sit 13th on 38 points, while Kansanshi Dynamos are 11th with 42 points following a narrow 1-0 loss to Nkwazi FC.
Malama acknowledged the challenge awaiting his side at Independence Stadium but insisted Nkana were fully prepared.
“Obviously it’s going to be a tough game. There are no easy games in the Super League, so we are well prepared for tomorrow’s game,” he said.
The former defender also pointed to increased competition within the squad as the reason behind recent changes to the starting XI, saying the battle for places has helped raise performance levels.
“Obviously the competition has been good and everyone wants to play. That’s why you’ve seen changes in the team,” Malama explained.
Historically, Nkana have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture, recording three wins compared to Kansanshi Dynamos’ one, while five of the nine meetings between the two sides have ended in draws.
However, with only four points separating the teams heading into the final weekend, recent form and league positions suggest another closely contested affair could be on the cards.
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 on Saturday at Independence Stadium.
