By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –
ANY slip-up for the reigning champions Zesco United could be catastrophic as the chase for the 2015 MTN-FAZ Super Division League title intensifies with Power Dynamos looking set to spoil the party on top while Zanaco will be hoping to move within touching distance of the pace setters.
Only three points separate the top two teams and, as the league enters Week 18 this afternoon, today’s fixtures could see Power join Zesco, who lead the log on 39 points.
Zesco and Power will be enjoying home advantage in this afternoon’s fixtures.
Zesco v Nakambala
Having dropped points in the last game against Napsa Stars after a goalless draw, George Lwandamina’s men will be looking forward to bounce back to winning ways when they face a struggling Nakambala Leopards at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
On paper, Zesco have stronger credentials to emerge victorious than Nakambala in this encounter but with former Chipolopolo coach Patrick Phiri in charge, the ‘Sugar Boys’, who are staring in the face of relegation, will be fancing chances to reap maximum points that could increase their hopes of survival.
The reigning champions have been shaky on home turf with their only two defeats of the season happening in front of their own fans but Lwandamina will be hoping the attacking trio of Mwape Mwelwa, Winston Kalengo and Jackson Mwanza deliver a victory to remain on course of defending the title.
Power v Buffaloes
Former Chipolopolo skipper Christopher Katongo’s search for a victory since returning to Green Buffaloes team faces another tough test when the Zambia Army side visit an in-form Power Dynamos at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
While Power came from behind to beat Lusaka Dynamos 2-1 last weekend, Buffaloes were trounced 0-3 by Green Eagles.
With only three points off the pace, Power will be hoping to inflict more misery on Buffaloes but in contrast, the ‘wounded’ soldiers are eager to reload their arsenals and be battle-ready to snatch precious points in Kitwe.
Zanaco v Rangers
Even though a win could see Zanaco remain stuck in third place, the maximum points will be vital to keep up the pressure on the leading duo – Zesco and Power.
However, relegation-threatened Nchanga Rangers are battling for points to boost their hopes of survival and coach Fighton Simukonda will be eyeing an outright victory.
Zanaco are on 32 points, seven adrift Zesco while the Chingola outfit has only picked a paltry 16 from their last 17 matches.
Other fixtures will see Forest Rangers host Lusaka Dynamos at Dola Hill Stadium in Ndola while Nkana make the trip to Edwin Imboela to face the ‘High Flying’ Nkwazi and National Assembly will host ‘Mighty’ Mufulira Wanderers.
Green Eagles will square up against Napsa Stars at Independence Stadium in Choma.