By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Nkana head coach Elijah Tana has warned his players against underestimating newly promoted Trident FC as the 13-time champions begin their MTN Super League Transitional League campaign away from home on Saturday.
Nkana travel to Kalumbila District to face Trident at the Trident Woodland Estates Playing Fields, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.
Tana says his side has prepared well for the opening fixture, particularly since returning from their training camp in Botswana.
“The preparations have gone well. Since we came back from Botswana, the boys are putting 100 percent according to us as the technical team,” Tana said.
The Nkana coach expects a competitive encounter against a Trident side making its return to top-flight football, but says his team already has a clear plan for the game.
“I know it’s not an easy game but for us, we have already planned for it, so we will go with our plan,” he said.
With Nkana carrying the expectations that come with being one of Zambia’s most successful clubs, Tana has stressed the need for his players to approach the fixture with the right mentality.
“We want to start with a positive result. Nkana is a big team, so we can’t underestimate the newly promoted side, Trident.”
Tana wants his players to give everything on the pitch as they target a winning start to the transitional campaign.
“They should go with a wholehearted heart so that we get three points,” he added.
Tana calls for Nkana support
The coach has also appealed to Nkana supporters to stand behind the team as the club begins its campaign.
“Our fans should come and cheer us. They should have belief in us. We can do our best when they are behind us,” Tana said.
“We can’t do our best if they are doubting us. We will do our best for them.”
Saturday’s fixture will be the third meeting between the two clubs, with the previous two encounters coming during the 2024 season.
Nkana remain unbeaten in those meetings, recording a 2-1 victory in Kalumbila before the return fixture at Nkana Stadium ended goalless.
Trident will be seeking their first victory over the 13-time champions when the sides meet again on Saturday.
