The much-anticipated Kitwe Derby will headline the MTN Super League action this weekend as struggling Nkana FC host defending champions Power Dynamos at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka on Sunday. The match is to be played 360-kilometres from the traditional home of both clubs after crowd trouble last season resulted in Nkana being barred from using their traditional venue for some matches.
They will return to Chilata after this match, though without fans for the next three months. Nkana have had a real struggle this campaign, winning only two of their 11 league fixtures so far, but those victories have come in their last three games, so perhaps there are green shoots of recovery.
It has been a challenge for coach Ian Bakala since he replaced Beston Chambeshi this season, and he has at times questioned the mentality of his players, but Sunday provides them with the perfect opportunity to prove him wrong.
Their latest win came on Wednesday at Konkola Blades courtesy of a 93rd-minute winner from Royd Katuta. Dynamos have not been able to rediscover their form of last season which took them to a seventh domestic title, six behind record-holders Nkana on the all-time table.
They lie sixth in the league, four points behind leaders Kabwe Warriors, and with only one win in their last five games. That did come last time out when they beat Mutondo Stars 2-0 on Wednesday.
They have not had a problem scoring goals but keeping them out has been an issue with 10 conceded, almost one per game. Their 14 goals scored is double that of Nkana (7) over the same number of matches.
Dynamos have battled to win away, with three draws and two losses in their five games on the road to date, though conversely Nkana have yet to win in front of their own fans with the same record in their five fixtures at what has been their nominated home venue this campaign.
Dynamos have won the last three meetings between the sides and have generally held sway in the 29 previous league games over the past 15 years. They have won 15 of those to go with eight wins for Nkana and six draws.
In other matches this weekend, leaders Kabwe Warriors must get over a midweek defeat when they host Green Eagles on Saturday, while second-placed FC Muza welcome Konkola Blades.
Red Arrows host Green Buffaloes and Zesco United travel to Mutondo Stars, while Zanaco welcome Kansanshi Dynamos. Nkwazi travel to Forest Rangers and bottom side Trident host Prison Leopards in a battle of the strugglers. Finally, Mufulira Wanderers and Napsa Stars play on Sunday.
Source: eNCA
In other news – SAMA 2023 to hold in Pretoria
The 29th South African Music Awards (SAMAs) will take place in Pretoria weeks after being canceled in Durban. The show was halted in Durban due to the exuberant public funds that were going to be used to host the ceremony.
SAMA29 will be hosted on November 18, 2023, at the SunBet Arena at Time Square, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria. The red carpet is set to kick off at 4 pm, and the awards show will be broadcast live from the Arena on SABC 1 from 8 pm. Read more
