By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Sensational ZANACO FC will be aiming to get back to winning ways when they travel to face in-form Mutondo Stars at Kafubu Stadium on Thursday, March 19, 2026 (15:00). The Bankers are eager to make amends after dropping points in their last two league outings.
Head coach Numba Mumamba expressed strong confidence in his side’s preparation ahead of what he expects to be a demanding encounter.
“We have prepared very well. The team is set and looking forward to Mutondo’s game. We have dropped four points in the two games that we’ve played. This is a game we need to make amends so that we go there and fight hard to get maximum points.”
Mumamba emphasized that results will only come through hard work on the pitch, warning against underestimating their stubborn hosts.
“We expect a very tough game. Mutondo Stars is a very stubborn team — it’s not a place where you win on paper. You have to go there and work on the pitch. That is when you collect the three points. We’ve done our homework; now we just need to push, fight, and deliver.”
The ZANACO boss also pointed to his side’s familiarity with the Kafubu Stadium surface, having participated in a pre-season four-team tournament at the venue.
“We are very familiar with that pitch. It’s not strange to us. We just need to go there with a positive attitude and fight for maximum points as we try to consolidate our position in the top four.”
Mumamba further called on supporters to continue backing the team through the season.
“We urge our fans to keep supporting the team. They have stood with us in good and bad times, and we are very grateful. We want them to come in numbers and give us that push.”
ZANACO currently sit sixth on the MTN Super League table with 39 points, coming off a 1–1 draw against Konkola Blades. Meanwhile, Mutondo Stars occupy 12th place on 26 points after suffering a narrow 1–0 defeat to Kabwe Warriors.
The two sides have each recorded two wins, two draws and one loss in their last five matches. ZANACO claimed a convincing 2–0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
Up front, in-form striker Eliya Mandanji will again be central to the visitors’ attacking threat. The forward has scored in each of his last three matches and has nine league goals so far, putting him firmly in the Golden Boot conversation as he looks to close the gap on league leading goalscorer Moses Shumah.
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