Despite the buzz surrounding the Kitwe Derby, Power Dynamos coach Oswald Mutapa remains unfazed. He maintains his trademark calm demeanour ahead of tomorrow’s clash with rivals Nkana.

The first installment of this season’s derby will be played at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. Given the nature of the game, it is understandable that players are animated ahead of the game.

Nkana captain Harrison Chisala revealed that players from both teams, who are usually friends, have stopped talking to each other until after the game.

“We don’t talk about this match, even if we meet. It’s a different game. Even if we meet during the week, we don’t shake hands, and tomorrow, we won’t shake hands unless after the match,” Chisala said.

Power stand in skipper Salulani Phiri echoed Chisala’s sentiments. But for Mutapa, he has no issues having a conversation with Mwenya Chipepo ahead of the game if need be.

“For me it is different, I relate with all the coaches, why shouldn’t we talk before the game?” he wondered. “ so for me this week with Mwenya if he calls me, I can call him I don’t think there is anything wrong.”

Power, Nkana want wins

Mutapa described the game as being as important as the match against Nkwazi.

“This game is as important as the last game, we need to show consistency. It is important in that we are league leaders and we are not there by chance or reason; we have to get the desired result,” Mutapa said.

Power lead the pack with 28 points, six better than Nkana.

Chipepo is eyeing a win so that it may push his team in the continental chasing equation.

“There is a difference of six points; if we win, we will have hope of playing continental football, when I came to Nkana…the team was on 16th position and I was told to survive relegation now from there we have performed well, if we win, that means we lessen the gap by three points,” Chipepo said.