The Zambian Super League provided plenty of entertainment over the weekend, with some players turning in outstanding performances.
Here is BolaNews’ Team of the Week:
Goalkeeper
Mangani Banda – (Nkana): Kept a clean sheet and made vital saves against Red Arrows in a highly intense match. One important save was in the 20th minute when he got the better of Arrows striker Joseph Phiri in a 1 v 1 situation to secure Nkana’s 0-1 win.
Defenders
Makabaniso Magenge (Kansanshi Dynamos): The Centre-back was crucial in the away win for the Solwezi-based side as they beat FC MUZA 0-1 in Mazabuka. Magenge showed stability at the back and was also available to receive the ball for distribution. Very good shift for the defender in the Zambian Super League.
Samson Manyepa (Green Eagles): Manyepa was one of the players who stood firm against the visitors’ dangerous attacks in Eagles’ 0-0 draw with Green Buffaloes. His overall contribution on the right flank was enormous, both defensively and offensively. He makes a cut on the right side of the central defense.
Moses Nyondo (Nkana): Arguably one of the most improved players in the Nkana squad. Nyondo finished his good outing with an assist as Nkana defeated Red Arrows 0-1.
Chanda Chileshe (FC MUZA): Despite his team losing 0-1 to Kansanshi Dynamos, Chileshe was outstanding. He managed to neutralize some of Dynamos’ threats from the right wing, where Bruce Musakanya operated. The highlight of his performance was bursting forward to assist in an attack in the second half, which also ensured Bruce’s withdrawal in the latter stages of the second half.
Midfielders
Benson Chali (Kansanshi Dynamos): He pulled the strings in the middle of the pack on Saturday afternoon for Kansanshi Dynamos who recorded a 1-0 win over FC MUZA. Chali headed home a 47th-minute goal after a clever run to dodge the FC Muza defenders before nodding home in the 16-yard area.
Harry Milanzi (Green Buffaloes): He was a handful for the Green Eagles in the military derby. He also had a chance to put Green Buffaloes FC in front in the 47th minute but headed wide. All in all, in the absence of Golden Mashata, he was the spark in the Buffaloes squad.
Jacob Ngulube (Nkana): He was on hand to gift Nkana all the maximum points. Ngulube intelligently found himself in a position to finish off with his head from a Nyondo cross. In the 17th minute, he would have put the Kitwe side ahead but put his shot slightly over the crossbar but made amends for that with the header.
Forwards
Justin Shonga (Nkwazi): Talk of impact! Justin Shonga showed class and experience to bring Nkwazi to level terms against Nchanga Rangers at Edwin Imboela Stadium. His pace and hold-up play troubled Nchanga, giving Nkwazi more options in attack as the technical bench pushed in more attackers like Christopher Zulu who went on to score the winner. A worthwhile 45 minutes.
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Adams Zikiru (Napsa Stars): Good display, one of the two players that scored a brace in Week 27 as the pensioners run riot. A wonderful goal from Chaniza Zulu’s assist and composed finishing arose from a defensive error from Buildcon. He could have grabbed a hattrick in the 69th minute, but he shot wide..
Musonda Kapembwa (Napsa Stars): A statement performance, extending the lead for Napsa Stars in the 35th minute and bringing them down in the box. Kapembwa stepped up to take the penalty and made no mistake in claiming a brace in the 5-0 thrashing of hapless Buildcon.
WHO IMPRESSED YOU THE MOST IN THE ZAMBIAN SUPER LEAGUE OVER THE WEEKEND?