PREVIEW: CHAMPIONS FACE NKANA IN CRUNCHING LEAGUE TIE

MTN Super League defending champions, ZESCO United will tomorrow face Nkana in a week 24 fixture scheduled for the Levy Mwanawasa stadium.  

ZESCO United head coach, Numba Mumamba has assembled an 18-member squad that goes into residential camp today ahead of tomorrow’s showdown.

Mumamba has confirmed the absence of club dependable defender, Adrian Chama who’s not fully fit after recently recovering from an injury.

Speedy winger, Edward Lungu also joins Chama on the list of players currently battling for fitness after suffering injuries.

“Both Chama and Lungu are back in training. However, they are only doing light training. We are monitoring their progress and hopefully we have them back fully fit for the upcoming games. We are also missing Solomon Sakala, Simon Silwimba and Dickson Chapa due to injuries.”

Mumamba has also confirmed the absence of Pedro Miguel from the squad due to an illness.

With a squad depleted of some key players, Mumamba will need to shuffle his cards and hope that the men he selects for tomorrows clash deliver accordingly.

Ian Otieno and Gregory Sanjase will be battling for a place between the sticks when the league defending champions face Nkana.

At the back, Mumamba will be faced with several options with Shemmy Mayembe, Fackson Kapumbu, Samson Mkandawire, Clement Mwape, and Peter Maker Manyang all eyeing to be in the first eleven.

Donashano ‘Ichamilando’ Malama will be the man to provide cover and the match needed strength just behind the attacking midfielders.

If there is an area where ZESCO United and Mumamba will be overwhelmed with talent and selection options is in the middle of the park.

Kelvin Kampamba, Collins Sikombe, Samuel Sikaonga, Thabani Kamusoko, John Chinga’ndu, and Spencer Sautu are all classy attacking options for the ZESCO United gaffer.

ZESCO United will need to be at their best in front of goal if Ndola City is to silence Kitwe.

Veteran striker Winstone Kalengo has the experience and knowledge to overcome the pressure that comes with such a big game.

Kalengo will be charged with the responsibility to lead the line upfront supported by Enock Sakala, and Vincent Oburu.

Victory for ZESCO United will give the champions more purpose and confidence in their race to win a 10^th league title.

Author: Desmond Katongo