Former Power Dynamos defender Francis Kasonde has backed his former club to triumph over rivals Nkana Football Club in Saturday’s highly anticipated Kitwe derby, a Week 28 MTN Super League fixture.
The two Copperbelt giants will renew their fierce rivalry at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola in what is expected to be the final instalment of this season’s Kitwe derby.
Speaking in an interview with BolaNews, Kasonde described the derby as a match that goes beyond league points, saying pride for both the city and the club is always at stake.
“A derby is a game for the pride of the city, and the team that is determined and mentally ready to give it all in 90-plus minutes will win,” Kasonde said.
The former Chipolopolo defender believes Power Dynamos head into the clash with an advantage due to their recent form and growing confidence.
“There are main factors that are giving Power Dynamos an advantage over Nkana. Power are consistent in the last 11 games, and CAF competitions have given confidence to the lads,” he said.
“It’s a team that is becoming better with each game, and the players are improving.”
Kasonde, however, acknowledged that Nkana will view the derby as an opportunity to redeem themselves after a difficult run of results.
“Nkana, this is a game to redeem themselves. A derby is a game for consistency in technique and tactics throughout the match,” he said.
“The team that will win the game will colour the city tomorrow. Hopefully it will be coloured yellow.”
Meanwhile, former Nkana defender Chitoshi Chinga, now playing for Zimbabwean side CAPS United, has urged the Kalampa players to fight for the badge and restore pride among supporters.
“To the players, they always know what’s at stake because they haven’t been doing fine lately,” Chinga said.
“But the least they can do is win the derby, which I am positive they can. I wish them well on Saturday. Let them go there and fight for the badge and the pride of the community.”
Chinga admitted that pressure is mounting on the Nkana squad due to their recent struggles in the league.
“Pressure is there considering that the team hasn’t been winning for some time, so there is too much pressure,” he said.
“A win will give them confidence to finish in a respectable position because, as you can see, they are not in a good position.”
The Kitwe derby remains one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in Zambian football, with both teams expected to battle for bragging rights in front of passionate supporters.
