By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Zanaco head coach Mumba Mumba has challenged his players to build on their winning start to the 2026 MTN Super League Transitional Season when they host an in-form Konkola Blades side at Sunset Stadium on Sunday.
The Bankers opened their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 away victory over Nchanga Rangers, but face a stern test against a Konkola Blades side that made an early statement by beating defending champions Power Dynamos 2-1.
With both teams coming into the encounter on the back of victories, Mumba expects a closely contested affair and has urged his players to deliver another committed performance as Zanaco prepare for their first home match of the season.
“It is a very tricky game, looking at where both teams are coming from after the first games. We are playing Konkola Blades, who beat the defending champions in their first game at home. As we prepare for the encounter against Konkola Blades, we expect a very tough game,” Mumba said.
The coach believes the opening-day victory in Chingola has provided his squad with a timely confidence boost but is wary of the threat posed by their opponents, who will be eager to maintain their winning momentum.
“Having gotten a victory away from home, it is something that motivated us as a team. But we have another important game against Konkola Blades, which is going to be a very tough game, looking at where they are coming from also.
“They beat the defending champions, and we expect them to give us a tough time here at home. We have made sure that the team is ready and geared for Konkola Blades, and we pray that we get maximum points at home,” he added.
Mumba encouraged by new signings
Beyond the result against Nchanga Rangers, Mumba has been encouraged by the early impact of Zanaco’s new recruits, who he says have settled quickly into the squad and begun justifying the club’s decision to bring them on board.
The coach praised their performances in the opening fixture, expressing confidence that they can continue to strengthen the team as the transitional campaign progresses.
“I can safely say that the new players have settled in quickly and are doing very fine. Even in the last game against Nchanga, all the new players that played in that game were exceptional,” he said.
“We expect them to continue working hard because we brought them here to add value to the team, which they have shown from the time we resumed our pre-season training.”
Bankers call for home support
Zanaco will also be looking to their supporters to provide the backing needed to secure another positive result as they make their first home appearance of the season.
Mumba expressed gratitude to the fans who travelled to Chingola for the opening fixture, saying their presence gave the players an important motivational lift.
“To our fans, we can only request them to come in large numbers. We are very grateful that we had the fans who came to cheer the team in Chingola. They made an effort to come all the way to Chingola from here, which was good for the team,” he said.
“That motivation was a big motivation to the team. It is good that we did not disappoint them. We gave them a victory.”
The coach has now challenged his players to reward that loyalty by fighting for maximum points against Konkola Blades.
“Equally, even in the game that we have against Konkola Blades, we will be at home. We have to try by all means so that we make them happy by fighting to collect maximum points,” Mumba added.
“We will be very happy to see the team fight and collect maximum points because that is what all the stakeholders are looking for. Otherwise, in readiness of the team, everyone is ready and geared for the encounter against Konkola Blades.”
History favours Zanaco
Zanaco will draw some encouragement from their recent head-to-head record against Konkola Blades, having recorded three victories in their last 10 meetings, compared with one win for the Chililabombwe outfit, while three encounters have ended in draws.
However, Konkola Blades’ victory over Power Dynamos underlines the threat they pose, with the visitors arriving in Lusaka determined to build on their impressive start.
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 hours at Sunset Stadium, where Zanaco will aim to make home advantage count, while Konkola Blades seek another statement victory in the opening stages of the transitional season.
