By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Zanaco FC head coach Mumamba Numba has challenged his players to maintain their winning momentum when they travel to Kalumbila to face Trident FC in Saturday’s Week Six MTN Super League Transitional Season Group A encounter.
The Bankers head into the 15:00 kick-off at Trident Estate Playing Field buoyed by a convincing 3-0 victory over Kansanshi Dynamos, a result that restored confidence after dropping four points in their preceding matches.
Numba believes the victory has provided his side with the motivation needed ahead of what he expects to be a difficult assignment against an athletic and youthful Trident outfit.
“It’s a very important game for us, especially that we are coming from a victory after dropping four points in the games that we played before playing Kansanshi Dynamos at home.
“Going into this game, I think we are motivated by the victory that we got, and looking at how our preparations have been going on, everyone is in high spirits and looking forward to this important game that we have ahead of us tomorrow,” he said.
Saturday’s encounter brings together two sides fresh from convincing victories, with Trident having thrashed Makeni All Stars 6-1 in their previous outing.
However, Numba is expecting a competitive contest and has warned his players against underestimating their opponents, who have impressed with their youthful and energetic approach.
“It will be an interesting fixture, especially that both teams are coming from victories. Both teams are motivated, and we expect a tough game because they’ve got a very young team that is athletic,” he said.
The Zanaco coach has consequently called for discipline and hard work as his side targets maximum points to strengthen its position in the standings and close the gap on the teams above them.
“And for us, we have to make sure that we play well and fight hard so that at least we get a victory so that we put pressure on the teams that are ahead of us,” he added.
Zanaco currently sit fourth in Group A with seven points from four matches, having recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat. Trident are sixth with four points after registering one win, one draw and two losses.
Numba says the mood in the Zanaco camp has been encouraging following the victory over Kansanshi but insists his players must translate that confidence into a determined performance on the pitch.
“The mood is very good. Everyone is in high spirits, like I said at the beginning.
“We are happy that the morale in camp is high, and everyone is set for tomorrow’s game. All we need is just to make them all play and fight on the pitch so that they give us the three points that we need,” he said.
The two sides have met twice in the 2023/24 MTN Super League campaign, with Zanaco winning both encounters, recording 2-0 and 2-1 victories.
The Bankers will be hoping to extend that record and secure back-to-back victories, while Trident will be eager to use home advantage to claim another important result.
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 hours at Trident Estate Playing Field in Kalumbila.
