Kansanshi Dynamos coach Zeddy Saileti says his team has a plan for in-form Nkana striker Idris Mbombo when the two teams meet in the quarterfinals of the ABSA Cup at Arthur Davies Stadium on Saturday.
Kansanshi are looking to continue their fairytale run in the ABSA Cup when they face a Nkana side that struggled to beat third-tier side Roan United at the same venue in the round of 16.
The Solwezi side comes into the match on the back of a 4–1 win over Green Buffaloes, but Saileti is experienced enough to know that Nkana will pose a difficult challenge, especially as they are playing at ‘home.’
Mbombo, whose goal helped Nkana stretch the game against Roan United into penalties, is Nkana’s biggest threat, having scored over 10 goals in all competitions this season.
“Idris Mbombo is a big player, very experienced. But I won’t pre-empt our tactics, our plans, but we have something for him,” Saileti told reporters at the pre-match briefing in Kitwe on Friday.
Saileti banks on Power, Zesco supporters
Saileti, a former Nkana coach and player, also said Nkana has the advantage of Kitwe fans but is banking on rival fans from Power Dynamos and Zesco United to support his team.
“Of course, knowing Nkana, I think they have the upper hand. They have the 12th player [the fans], who are very important, and playing in Kitwe gives them that edge. But again, being in Kitwe, even the supporters from Zesco, from Power—as I know football—they will support us. So I think the support base will be 50-50,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nkana’s assistant coach Josephat Nkoma is eyeing a place in the final.
“I think we are ready for Kansanshi, and we can promise our fans that we are going to the finals,” Nkoma said.
He added that his team had learned their lessons from the near-upset they experienced against Roan United in the round of 16.
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