ZESCO United Football Club Team Ya Ziko
Zambian league defending champions, ZESCO United will tomorrow face-off against their bitter rivals, Forest Rangers in the MTN Super League week 12 encounter scheduled for the Levy Mwanawasa stadium, Ndola.
Famously known as the Ndola derby, ZESCO United will be aiming to break the five-year curse that has seen them lose all their home matches to Forest Rangers while dominating proceedings on the road.
Last season ZESCO United lost 0-1 at home before overturning the result in the return leg which saw the league champions punish Forest Rangers by a 0-3 score-line.
The aforementioned results were consistent with what has transpired in the last five-years the two teams have met.
Team Ya Ziko fans will be putting their beloved side in their Sunday morning prayers as part of a remedy towards rewriting history before trooping to the Levy Mwanawasa stadium, the stage selected for this big fixture.
On the flip side, Forest Rangers die-hard followers will be praying that this cancer continues at the peril of ZESCO United’s home record.
ZESCO United head coach, Numba Mumamba is pleased to have all his players back from international duties.
Mumamba’s squad will be gunning for three points in this mouthwatering fixture following their recent 0-2 home defeat against Green Eagles.
The ZESCO United gaffer has declared everyone ready for Sunday’s game except for Enock Sakala who picked up a knock during Fridays afternoon training session.
Mumamba further confirmed the availability of Adrian Chama for selection in the final squad that goes in camp today.
An almost injury free ZESCO United side will be expected to put up a stellar performance by their loyal supporters.
ZESCO United goalkeeper, Ian Otieno will be jostling to be between the sticks having had a feel of this encounter in the last three meetings.
Mumamba will be spoiled for choice at the back with the availability of Adrian Chama, Clement Mwape, Simone Silwimba, Willard Nkausu, Fackson Kapumbu, Peter Manyang, John Chishimba and Samson Mkandawire.
The return of Tafadzwa Rusike will provide an avalanche of choices for the ZESCO United gaffer in the middle of the park.
Rusike, Spencer Sautu, Kelvin Kampamba, John Chingandu, Thabani Kamusoko, Logic Chinga’ndu and Chanda Mukuka will be expected to overwhelm the Forest Rangers defense with their creative minds.
Dickson Chapa and Donashano Malama, if selected will be the ones expected to provide cover and strength in the middle of the park.
If ZESCO United are to break the five-year cruse, Winstone Kalengo, Chitiya Mususu, Jesse Jackson Were will need to be at their sharpest in front of goal.
Forget the weeklong banter that has dominated conversations on the streets of Ndola, in Night clubs and Taverns, not forgetting social media, the stage has yet again been set for both sets of players to decide who emerges victorious on Sunday.
Author: Desmond Katongo
