By NDINAWE SIMPELWE –
ZANACO look set to end the first half of 2016 MTN/FAZ Super League season on top as they host bottom placed Blackpool while giant killers Forest Rangers will aim to pile more pressure on Nkana who have not won a game in four as the week 17 fixtures are played today.
Zanaco v Blackpool
This is a clash that brings two teams whose fortunes are going in different directions.
Whereas Zanaco, on 34 points, are on top of the table having only lost once, Blackpool are rock bottom without a win in 16 matches and having just six points.
However, Zanaco coach Numba Mumamba said playing a team like Blackpool is always difficult because players tend to underrate the opposition adding his aim is to finish the first half of the season on top to have a big shot at the title in the second round.
“These are the most dangerous games because players think they have already won before kicking a ball. So we just have to remain focused and get maximum points,” Mumamba said.
Goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata returned to training though young Mangani Banda did well in his absence.
Blackpool coach Mathews Njovu said the match is interesting because his side was desperate for points and that his charges will go at the league leaders and that a win would boost their morale.
Nkana v Forest
This match, which kicks off at 12:45 at Arthur Davis Stadium to facilitate Super Sport coverage, sees Nkana facing Forest Rangers at a worst possible period when the Kitwe giants have lost form.
Nkana have not won a match in their last four games and today’s clash looks even tougher as Forest have hit top form winning four of their last five games.
Nkana will need to be alert as they seek to catch up with both Zanaco and Zesco because Forest is the only team to have beaten the top two teams this season.
Patrick Phiri has worked wonders at Forest and despite being a former Nkana coach he will ensure his side gets maximum points.
Without their coach Aggrey Chiyangi, Nkana have struggled and they will need to deliver an improved performance today to erase any doubts on the assistant coaches.
Power v Tigers
The second game to be played at Arthur Davis Stadium will see Power Dynamos face Lusaka Tigers in a clash that can go either way.
Power, on 25 points, has a chance to climb to third position if they beat Tigers and then Nkana loses to Forest.
The home side will be motivated especially that by the time they kick-off, they would have known Nkana’s result.
Power coach Dan Kabwe is still searching for his first win in charge at Power and has players to deliver such as Fwayo Tembo and Luka Lungu.
Tigers have worked this season since their promotion and known for their never die attitude.
The Matero based side is doing just enough to ensure they remain in top flight at the end of the season.
In other fixtures Green Buffaloes face police outfit Nkwazi at Independence Stadium with Mufulira Wanderers hosting Red Arrows at Shinde Stadium and the troubled Lusaka Dynamos facing Green Eagles.
Zesco’s match against Nakambala has been postponed while tomorrow, Nchanga Rangers will host Kabwe Warriors and Lumwana will welcome Napsa Stars.