ZANACO FC head coach Numba Mumamba says his side is drawing motivation from their victory over Nkwazi at Edwin Imboela Stadium last month as they prepare to face Green Buffaloes in this afternoon’s MTN Super League Week 23 clash at the same venue.
Mumamba acknowledged that Imboela is traditionally a difficult ground for visiting teams, but believes the Bankers’ previous success there gives them confidence heading into the encounter.
ZANACO return to action after missing last weekend’s fixture. Their scheduled match against Kabwe Warriors at Railway Stadium in Kabwe was postponed due to a heavy downpour that left the pitch unplayable.
“It’s a very important game that we have ahead of us, playing Green Buffaloes at Edwin Imboela Stadium,” Mumamba said.
“From our last outing, which was postponed against Kabwe Warriors, we got down to work immediately and prepared the team. The players are ready and set for the game.”
Mumamba admits the encounter will be a tough challenge but is confident his side has prepared well.
“Of course it is another hurdle ahead of us, but we have done our preparations to make sure the team is ready for Green Buffaloes. We know it won’t be an easy game, especially looking at Imboela Stadium, which has been a very difficult ground for teams to go and collect maximum points.”
The ZANACO boss believes their win over Nkwazi at the same venue provides a mental boost for his players.
“Looking back at the game we played against Nkwazi at Imboela, that is our motivation because we managed to collect maximum points there. This time we are playing a different team in Green Buffaloes, and we expect the players to apply themselves the same way they did against Nkwazi so that we can go there and fight for maximum points.”
However, recent head-to-head statistics slightly favour Green Buffaloes. ZANACO have managed just one win in the last ten meetings between the two sides, with Buffaloes winning four times while five matches have ended in draws.
Mumamba confirmed he has a fully fit squad available for selection, although defender Frederick Mwimanzi will miss the match as he is on loan from Green Buffaloes and cannot face his parent club.
Forward Araina Lambert, who scored the winning goal in the victory over Nkwazi last month, has recovered from a knock and is available for selection.
“At the moment we don’t have any injuries in the team. Everyone is fit for selection for tomorrow’s game,” Mumamba said.
“The unfortunate thing is Mwimanzi is on loan from Buffaloes, so he’s not eligible to play. But we are happy that Lambert is back and ready to be selected.”
The first-round meeting between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw at Sunset Stadium.
Kick-off at Edwin Imboela Stadium is scheduled for 15:00 hours, with ZANACO hoping to continue their push up the MTN Super League table and possibly break into the top three.
