By ELIAS CHIPEPO –
CHAMPIONS Red Arrows today take on ‘Powerhouse’ Lusaka needing a win to edge closer to retaining the Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) national league title when the two clash in a derby in the Lusaka Showgrounds.
The other rescheduled match this afternoon will see ‘Men At Work’ Diggers hosting Green Buffaloes in Kitwe eyeing a win to keep alive their slim hopes of piping either Arrows or Nkwazi to the title they surrendered to the airmen last season.
Arrows are tied top on 37 points with Nkwazi while Diggers are third on 30 points with Lusaka on 28 points and Buffaloes seating on 17 points. With Arrows and Diggers still enjoying some un-played games, Nkwazi hopes of winning a first ever title are almost over.
Arrows v Lusaka
Arrows head into this tie bubbling full of confidence after beating rivals Buffaloes 22-7 last weekend and would want to cap that performance with another win over their stubborn neighbours Lusaka in what would be a fiercely encountered fixture.
This will be Lusaka’s first game since winning the David Abel Ray Phiri (DARP) International Rugby Challenge and the players would want nothing than the pleasure of blunting the airmen quest to retain the league title.
Arrows will look up to the likes of William Daka, Mutinta Malambo, McManus Musonda, Paston Chola, Terry Kaushiku and Patrick Kasongo among others to inspire them to victory over a Lusaka side that has Shellen Michello, Kapindu Nyangu, Body Mkandawire, Israel Kalumba.
Diggers v Buffaloes
Diggers coach Robertson ‘Plough’ Kangon’gwe will be demanding for nothing than a win from his charges to close up on the leading pack and wants a bonus points over a wounded Buffaloes side.
The Kitwe remained seven points behind in the title race after their game against Chibuluma was not played last weekend due to bereavement and Diggers will now be playing catch up to favourites Arrows.
Beneya Mukwamba should continue with his inspiring form along with  Paston Kasonde, Fine Chikumbi and Kabwela Mulenga to collect maximum points off Buffaloes that boosts of the likes of Larry Kaushikuand  Fernando Kashimoto.