The FAZ/MTN is considered one of the most exciting and competitive Leagues in Africa. The BOLA YAPA ZED fan base has crossed beyond the Zambian borders.
Zambian clubs can boost of having fans in Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and as far as Norway. Surprises and shock results are always a part of the Zambian game. However, this season we have been treated to more shocking results compared to the previous season.
In a season where ZANACO hammered ZESCO United 3-0 who in turn went and got humiliated by a Lusaka Dynamos side that looked toothless in the opening weeks of the season. Another shocking result was that of a coachless Lumwana Radiants side who went on to beat an inform Buildcon side away in Ndola.
Furthermore, an inconsistent Kabwe Warriors ended Forest Rangers unbeaten ran in the League. Meanwhile one of last season’s outstanding team NAPSA Stars sits in the relegation zone, having only managed a single victory in the seven matches that the pensioners have played so far.
But more surprisingly, at the top of the table, you will find newly-promoted Prison Leopard leading the log standings after beating 13-time League champions, Nkana.
There is a factor that has contributed to the unpredictability of the league thus far. These include:
1. A disrupted preparation ahead of the 2020/2021 season is an easy place to start. Clubs could not have a proper preseason due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This simply meant that coaches did not have enough time to look at the new signings and pick their best eleven.
2. For the first time in the Super League the top-tier sides went into the new season with new coaches. Numba Mumamba is in his first season with ZESCO United while the likes of Chris Kaunda, Tenant Chilumba and Perry Mutapa are in their first full season at their respective clubs. The biggest challenge the coaches are facing is to get the players to buy into their coaching philosophies. It’s a well-known fact that when the players are not responding to the coaches’ instructions the teams won’t perform to their expectations.
3. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, they were delays in kick-starting the new season and many interrupted games and because the FA wanted to remain within the FIFA calendar, they had to come up with new alternatives and ideas, and that was for clubs to play every after 3 days. That has caused a negative impact when it comes to matching preparations.
One can sympathize with the likes of Lumwana and Choma Green Eagles who have to travel long distances at times to fulfill fixtures. Due to this tight schedule players are getting injured easily, because they are not getting enough rest.
If the current trend continues of top-tier teams dropping points while the so-called lesser or mid-table teams continue to collect maximum points, then come 2021 we will be crowning first-time winners.
Exactly