UNITED AIM TO NEUTRALIZE PUMPED UP RANGERS IN NDOLA DERBY

There is nothing as special in football as a meeting between two giants who share the same city but viciously differ in opinions, ambitions, and status in the game.

In Ndola, ZESCO United and Forest Rangers are the top clubs whose ambitions year in and out are to outwit each other in pursuit for success.

History though doesn’t lie. United are by far the most successful team in Ndola compared to Rangers. However, history and records are often put aside when these two sides meet in the famous Ndola Derby.

A meeting between Rangers and United has over the years been described as an assembly of the Zambian game’s finest foes.  

Ndola’s Chifubu town has since time immemorial been the hotbed for the two clubs most fervent supporters whose battle lines are rewritten every time these two clubs cross path.

Those familiar with this fixture can attest to the divisions and feuds often created within households, schools, taverns and night clubs. These feuds often meet their fate at the final 90’ minutes when tempers are cooled over a packet of Chinika beer or a pint of Mosi.

For the Ndola based scribes, this is a day when verbs, pronouns, adverbs, adjectives and synonyms are religiously unleashed before and after the match.

As the season comes to an end, Rangers and United will renew their rivalry on Saturday at Ndola’s Dola Hill stadium.

Both United and Rangers will be winding up their 2022/23 league campaign without the league title or a place among the elite teams to represent Zambia in next seasons CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup.

Unlike United, Rangers will be knocking off with a consolation prize following last weekend’s Absa Cup final triumph over MUZA FC. A historical achievement for the ZAFFICO sponsored side that left its supporters smiling from ear-to-ear while United followers looked on in admiration.

United, however have an opportunity to comfort their wailing supporters by beating Rangers in tomorrow’s mouthwatering week 34 fixture.

Coach George Lwandamina’s team will also be resolved to end the season on a high by sealing third position.

United’s third place finish is under intense threat from Green Buffaloes, Napsa Stars and Green Eagles.

Rangers on the other hand are determined to put the icing on the Absa Cup baked cake by defeating their cross-town rivals on Saturday.

It is these ingredients that will make the Ndola derby to once again come to life when these two giants of the Zambian game come face-to-face.

Author: Desmond Katongo