DERBY TO PRODUCE SPARKS: MUMAMBA

ZESCO United Head Coach Numba Mumamba expects a highly competitive game when the league champions meet their fiercest rivals Forest Rangers in Sunday’s Ndola Derby clash.

Mumamba hopes Sunday’ s game will be a turning point in the team’s quest to mount a serious charge towards the 2021/22 league title.

“I am expecting an explosive encounter especially that this is a local derby. It is always a special game for both sets of players. We are looking forward to it and they are also looking forward to this game. I think this game present the best opportunity for us to make amends,” he said.

Meanwhile Mumamba says the rescheduling of fixtures will give his side ample time to prepare for what he has described as a congested week of fixtures.

“I must say it gives us good time to prepare for the games coming ahead of us. We will have a congested fixture next week with three games in seven days starting with this Sunday against Forest Rangers.

“The good thing is that our colleagues who went for National duties will be back in time to join the team so that we can prepare adequately for the games.”

ZESCO United will face Forest Rangers on Sunday, Prison Leopards on Wednesday before hosting Buildcon on Saturday next week.

“These are important fixture to us. These games are key as they present us with an opportunity to pick crucial points so that we can start catching up with others. We are currently working on weaknesses observed in previous games,” Mumamba added.

The ZESCO United gaffer is excited with the return of Thabani Kamusoko and Adrian Chama.

“It is good to have Kamusoko back from national duties. He will have enough time to recover and get back to full fitness like the rest of the squad so that he can give us a good game on Sunday. We are also happy that Adrian is back in training. However, we will continue assessing his progress before Sunday’s clash,” Mumamba concluded.

Last season ZESCO United lost 0-1 at home before thrashing Forest Rangers 0-3 in the return leg encounter.

Author: Desmond Katongo