Champions have Arrows aimed at second slot
By Sports Reporter
FOUR weeks ago, they were just above the relegation zone but KCM Premier Division champions Red Arrows could today sneak into second position on the standings with a win over Nkwazi in a delayed week 12 encounter at Edwin Imboela Stadium.
Bouyed by an impressive 3-1 win over troubled Chilanga Heroes at the weekend, fifth-placed Arrows need a win against Nkwazi who lost 1-0 at home to Zesco last weekend, to leapfrog into second position although they will still be 12 points adrift of leaders Zanaco.
But if the record set by Nkwazi in the recent past is anything to go by, then Arrows’ somewhat re-ignited title credentials could be checked by the wounded Zambia Police outfit which is placed 11th on the table.
Since week 14 when the two sides overcame tough opponents Green Buffaloes and Nchanga Rangers, Arrows have had better fortunes unlike their hosts who have not celebrated a win ever since.
After the famous defeat of Buffaloes, coach Ronald Chinku had declared that his Nkwazi side would not only escape relegation but also challenge for titles.
Instead, Arrows are the ones who have found their feet after an early season crisis that started with a change of coaching personnel saw them being humiliated out of the CAF Champions League on a 9-1 aggregate.
On the other hand, the weekend win over Chilanga would not be proper barometer of Arrows’ new found form given Heroes’ indifferent maiden campaign in the top flight that has seen them occupy bottom place with a paltry eight points.
Midfielder Brian Lubaba who netted a free kick against Chilanga should make the starting line-up to combine forces with Shaft Katuka and David Phiri to make the play for the frontmen.
The recent departure of Danny Hangunyu to Angolan army side Primiero De Agosto has left Arrows technical bench to reshuffling the cards with Chisi Mbewe and Abraham Mwamba, off-season signings from Power Dynamos, now taking on the role of strike partners for Sam Gondwe and Victor Lupiya.
The task of scoring for Arrows depends entirely on the performance of Nkwazi defenders Morton Munamonga, Sam Simukonda, Arnold Kawanu and Brian Musonda while upfront, coach Chinku will be looking to the pace of Kando Matoboso to spearhead the onslaught for goals.
