Zambia: Can Power Blunt Blades?

22 April 2011

MTN Premier Division early pacesetters, Power Dynamos today take a trip to Chililabombwe to face Konkola Blades on a busy Easter weekend programme in which teams have to play two games in 72 hours starting with today’s Week Four Good Friday fixtures.

Nkana and Nchanga Rangers renew their long-time rivalry and rekindle memories of two years ago when they both campaigned in Division One North, as Zanaco host Forest Rangers while troubled Kabwe Warriors visit Nkwazi’s Edwin Imboela Stadium.

Blades vs Power

This fixture was scheduled to be beamed live on pay television channel Supersport before it was brought forward from Sunday to today and it remains to be seen how the two teams will respond to the switch.

The Kitwe side coached by Fordson Kabole was widely expected to achieve last season, but they only flattered to deceive, thus the old tactician has his work cut out this term from the demanding Kitwe fanatics.

Lottie Phiri, who has just returned from a stint in South Africa and announced his arrival with a brace last weekend in the 2-0 win over Kalewa, should again lead the attack alongside Kennedy Mudenda.

Blades coach Keegan Mumba downgraded the home ground advantage his team has over Power saying in the modern game, that accounts for nothing and that big matches do not come any better than facing Power.

They are a team on a good run. Power is in a league of big clubs so it will not be an easy game. But we are ready for them. We are in it to win matches, Mumba said.

Nkana vs Rangers

During their time in Division One, Rangers always had an upper hand, but Nkana should have a slight edge in this fixture on current form, especially after that morale-boosting 2-1 win over Nakambala Leopards in Mazabuka.

For Bruce Mwape’s side, they are still smarting from their early exit from the CAF Confederations Cup and Nkana Stadium could provide the best tonic to put their campaign back on track.

The fixture also provided a quick return to Kitwe for Rangers goalkeeper, Rabson Mcheleng’anga who spent his formative years in the town playing for Nkana’s cross town rivals Power Dynamos. A closer reunion is that of Kenny Muma who swapped Nkana for Rangers in the close season, but whether or not, Mwape will give him a run out is another matter.

Arrows vs Roan

Roan United have been given a quick second bite of the cherry after coming close to collecting full points off Green Buffaloes on their first visit to the capital city last weekend.

But today they will be at the mercy of sharp shooting Adubelo Phiri coupled with the industry of Stanley “Giggs” Banda and Brian Lubaba, the two midfielder anchors who can be deadly going forward.

The “friendly city” of Ndola, hosts two fixtures with Lime Hotspurs hosting Green Buffaloes at Indeni sports complex and seeking their first full points of their maiden top flight campaign; across town, Kalewa entertain Nakambala Leopards at Musa Kasonka Stadium with the latter looking to consolidate their fourth place standing on the log,

while as the former are yet to win a game.

AllAfrica – All the Time