By KALUMIANA KALUMIANA –

CHAMPIONS Nkana and Power Dynamos square-off this afternoon in the first episode of this season’s Kitwe derby at Nkana Stadium in an MTN-FAZ Premier League Week 13 clash while leaders Zanaco host third placed Zesco United.
Zanaco lead the log with 29 points followed by Power on 25, Zesco third with 24 points while Nkana are eighth on 13 points with five games in hand.
Nkana v Power
The two sides have so far tried to deliver a subtle dose of war of words ahead of this 15:00 hours battle which will be live on SuperSport with Power being so aggrieved after a wounding 2013 season in which Nkana dominated them.
Nkana beat Power 2-nil at home and came from behind to draw 1-1 in the return leg at Arthur Davies Stadium last season.
Power coach Tenant Chilumba, who was in charge in both matches, has made it clear that lighting will not strike twice for him away at Nkana Stadium where he had an unforgettable third game in charge on July 3 last year.
“We know Nkana probably have the best strike force in the league, very skilful, looking at the way they are playing but we will not allow them to play their football. We will not give them that room to play. We will stop them,” Chilumba said.
His opposite at Nkana, Zeddy Saileti was a little diplomatic saying that the 90 minutes would tell whether Power, who have produced some erratic performances lately, will be handed their wish.
“It is always more or less like a cup final. You can come into the derby with bad form but when we meet, both teams want to rise to the occasion because of tradition,” Saileti said.
Saileti has been handed a big boost ahead of the derby with the return of striker Ronald ‘Sate Sate’ Kampamba, who missed training in mid-week due to an injury. Surprisingly, Kampamba has never scored against Power and there is an eager anticipation as to whether this will be season he breaks his derby drought.
And Evans Kangwa is back for his first derby since 2012 but has yet to score against Power since the 2011 season when he led Nkana to a 1-nil away win at Arthur Davies.
Power on the other hand have been misfiring in attack but Chilumba is certain to stick to his predictable attacking formula with Alex Ngonga expected to lead the charge after inspiring them to victory in last weekend 2-0 home win over Napsa Stars.
The good news is Jimmy Ndhlovu is eligible to play against his parent club Nkana and the winger will surely be eager to show them what they are missing by inflicting them with a goal.
Zanaco v Zesco
Leaders Zanaco host Zesco United at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka with coach George Lwandamina saying he is feeling bullish about ending the bankers seven match unbeaten run.
“Zanaco cannot be lucky all the time. If you want to remain in contention for the title, these are the games you must win, so we aim to stop them,” Lwandamina said.
Elsewhere, Red Arrows visits Napsa at Woodlands Stadium with bottom placed Kabwe Warriors hosting Nchanga Rangers while Green Buffaloes visits Nakambala in Mazabuka.
Roan United will host Green Eagles in the lunchtime kick off at Arthur Davies, a match that will precede the Nkana versus Power clash, while Indeni and Konkola Mine Police meet at Indeni Sports Complex in Ndola.
Full Fixtures: Midlands-Zanaco v Zesco, Napsa v Arrows, Kabwe Warriors v Nchanga Rangers, Nakambala v Green Buffaloes.Copperbelt-Nkana v Power, Indeni v Konkola Blades, Roan United v Green Eagles, Konkola Blades v National Assembly.