Both teams posted wins in the last fixtures, with log leaders ZESCO United beating FC MUZA 1-3 at in Mazabuka while Forest Rangers put one past Power Dynamos at Dola Hill Stadium.

In an interview, Chipepo says his team is targeting maximum points as they want to get into the top six to qualify for the ABSA Cup.

Chipepo revealed that he is anticipating a tough match against their local rivals.

“ZESCO United is one of the biggest teams in Zambia; playing away from home is not going to be easy. As Forest Rangers, we are looking for three points.

“The three points are very important to us because we want to make sure that at least we go into the top six. We want to play the ABSA Cup.”

Forest Rangers also want to claim the bragging rights

The gaffer stated that the players are well prepared to claim bragging rights against an experienced ZESCO United, who are their two rivals.

“The team that is going to win will be the champions of Ndola, so winning against ZESCO will make me really happy because this will be my first [Ndola derby] against them,” he stated.

“It won’t be easy; we are playing against very experienced coaches with a very good squad that is playing well and on top of the log. We have prepared the team very well, as we want to pick up three points.”

Sitting 10th in the standings, Fole Malembe has scored 15 goals while allowing the same number of goals as of Week 14. They need to avoid defeat to stand a chance of qualifying for the ABSA Cup.

Meanwhile, defender Chitoshi Chinga has declared the match a do-or-die encounter to give Forest Rangers a chance to defend the ABSA Cup title.

“We need three points to qualify for the ABSA Cup. If we don’t win this [against ZESCO United], then we will have difficulties qualifying for the ABSA Cup, which we want to defend,” Chitoshi stated.

ZESCO United has dominated the last four meetings, with two wins and two draws. In the exact fixture last season, both teams could not find the back of the net, drawing 0-0.