Nkana Football Club and Kansanshi Dynamos will lock horns on Saturday in a Week 17 MTN Super League encounter at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe, with both sides eager to continue their climb away from the relegation zone.
The two teams come into the fixture in buoyant mood after recording back-to-back victories. Nkana sit 14th on the table with 16 points, just one behind Kansanshi Dynamos, who are 13th with 17 points, setting the stage for a tense and closely contested showdown.
Nkana head coach Mwenya Chipepo has described the match as a tough test but believes his side can capitalise on home advantage and strong supporter backing.
“Kansanshi are coming from two wins just like us, and they are doing well,” Chipepo said. “They want to move away from that position, the same way we do. Playing at home, under our supporters, gives us extra motivation. What we want is to pick maximum points and continue moving away from the danger zone.”
Chipepo added that confidence is growing within the Nkana camp following recent results, noting that morale is high and the players are ready to respond.
“It hasn’t been easy, especially away games like Mazabuka, but the response from the players has been encouraging. Everyone is ready, and if we win this game and the next one, you’ll see how far we can move up the table. It would be very encouraging for us,” he said.
On the other side, Kansanshi Dynamos assistant coach Dennis Makinka says his team is well prepared for the challenge of facing one of Zambia’s most decorated clubs on their home turf.
“The boys are looking very good,” Makinka said. “We have worked on the areas where we had lapses in the previous game and improved on the things we did well, like compactness and ball retention. The response from the players has been excellent, and they are very ready for this match.”
Makinka acknowledged Nkana’s pedigree but stressed that his side will approach the game with confidence rather than fear.
“Nkana is a big and legendary team with experienced coaches, and we respect them, but we don’t fear them. The game starts at 0–0, it’s 11 versus 11, and anyone can win. We know it will be a tough match, especially with a packed stadium, but we are ready to give them a good run,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of consistency, urging his players not to become complacent after recent victories.
“We are telling the boys to stay focused, remain united, and keep working for the badge. These last games of the first round are always difficult because everyone is fighting to get out of the bottom places. Nkana are just behind us, so we want to push even higher,” Makinka said.
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