By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Record 13-time MTN Super League champions Nkana FC are bracing for a high-stakes Mopani Derby showdown against arch-rivals Mufulira Wanderers at Shinde Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
Speaking in a pre-match interview, interim head coach Elijah Tana expressed strong confidence in his side’s preparations, describing the clash as a decisive encounter.
“It’s a derby game — the Mopani Derby — and it will be a very good game for us. We’ve prepared well. The guys are geared and ready,” said Tana.
The Nkana legend emphasized the hunger within the squad to return to winning ways.
“Everyone is pushing. The players have that hunger to win, so the preparations have been very good.”
Tana did not shy away from the magnitude of the fixture, labelling it a “do-or-die” match as Kalampa seek to climb away from the lower half of the table. He also called on supporters to turn up in large numbers to inspire the team.
“We are appealing to our fans to come in numbers and cheer the team.”
Nkana first-choice goalkeeper Patrick Chooma will join the national team camp for the Four Nations Tournament after the match. Tana wished his shot-stopper well.
“He is our first-choice goalkeeper, and we wish him all the best with the national team.”
Chooma has been a key figure for Nkana this season, recording seven clean sheets.
Form guide
Both sides head into the derby on the back of 1-1 draws in their previous league matches.
Nkana currently sit 11th on the table with 30 points, having registered one win, two draws, and two defeats in their last five outings — a run that underlines their inconsistency.
Mufulira Wanderers, meanwhile, occupy fourth position with 41 points and arrive in stronger form, boasting three wins, one draw, and one loss from their last five matches.
Head-to-head
Historically, Nkana have held the upper hand in the Mopani Derby, winning five of the last ten meetings compared to Wanderers’ three victories, with two matches ending level. However, Wanderers claimed bragging rights in the reverse fixture earlier this season with a narrow 1-0 win.
