By NDINAWE SIMPELWE –
CHAMPIONS Zesco United finally start their title defence of the MTN-FAZ Super League with a mouth-watering away clash at Power Dynamos after missing out on the first two weeks of the season due to their CAF Champions League commitments.
The Week Three fixtures bring out interesting clashes that will leave fans divided for choice as action unfolds across the country.
But focus will be on Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe where both Nkana and Power fans will be in the same venue despite their teams not facing each other.
Arthur Davies hosts a double header which will see leaders Nkana facing Mufulira Blackpool in an early kick-off while Nchanga Rangers gets an early test of their ambitions this season when they host last year’s runners-up Zanaco at Nchanga Stadium.
In Kabwe, a legendary tie awaits, as Kabwe Warriors host Green Buffaloes with fans in Lusaka treated to a tie involving Red Arrows and Napsa Stars.
Power v Zesco
Zesco could not have asked for a better start to the season than facing Power in their first game at Arthur Davis Stadium which will test their tenacity to retain the crown for a third year running.
The tie comes early in the season and the outcome will go a long way in boosting the confidence of whichever team will carry the day. The match will be televised live on SuperSport at 15:00hrs.
Power was given an early reality check when they lost last week at Nchanga Stadium leaving them with three points from their first two opening games.
Coach Tenant Chilumba knows his fans are not that patient and a second defeat in a roll will heap unnecessary pressure on him early in the season.
But he faces a team that has a superb away record in the league where they have not lost a game on their travels since 2014 and with a champions’ league tie waiting next weekend, Zesco will make it difficult for the home side.
George Lwandamina has again assembled a title winning team and so far Idris Mbombo has settled nicely after joining from Kabwe Warriors while Jesse Were looks promising.
Blackpool v Nkana
Newcomers Blackpool are yet to find their feet in the top flight and they face the record league champions who are tipped to challenge for the title this year in this 13:00 hours kickoff also to be beamed live on SuperSport.
All indicators are pointing at a Nkana win especially that the 12 time league champions are sitting at the top of the table with six points from their first two games.
But Blackpool will be determined to make a statement of their intent to stay in the Super League by beating the table toppers which will give them the zeal to move forward.
Nchanga v Zanaco
Rangers handed themselves a morale boosting display last week by beating Power at home and seven days later they welcome yet another threat to their quest to earn maximum points.
Bruce Mwape will be looking to get his second win in two matches since his appointment for Rangers but Zanaco, on the other hand, look strong with a fearless approach to their game.
Despite losing striker Moses Phiri who is now playing in Portugal, the bankers have scored eight goals in their last three matches and this should send a warning to Rangers of what to expect.
In other fixtures, a Lusaka derby between Lusaka Tigers and Lusaka Dynamos take centre stage at Matero Stadium, Forest Rangers host Lumwana Radiants at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium as both sides search for their first wins, while at Edwin Imboela Stadium Nkwazi hosts Nakambala Leopards as Green Eagles entertain Mufulira Wanderers in Choma.