By Mubukwanu Kaingu
New Nkana coach Mwenya Chipepo faces an awkward situation this Saturday in which he aims to maintain his unbeaten record in the Kitwe derby when his team visits arch-foes Power Dynamos at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
During Chipepo’s tenure as Power coach from June 2021 to November 2023, he was unbeaten in the Kitwe derby against Nkana.
Chipepo oversaw back-to-back Kitwe derby victories beating Nkana 1-0 away and 2-0.
“I never lost to Nkana when I was at Power. I won all the derbies, but I face my previous employers. We shall fight for a win. The players are charged,” Chipepo said.
“We ask fans to rally behind the team and support us at Levy. We want to win the bragging rights. Expect some good football and an entertaining game.”
Nkana won the last derby meeting last season, beating Power 2-0 away on April 20 at Levy.
It was also Nkana’s first derby victory over Power in four successive league meetings.
But this weekend’s derby has some added spice to it.
Nkana have just resurrected in their last six games and are now a top-six team chasing a 2025 ABSA Cup qualification and outside contenders to Power’s slender lead at the top of the FAZ Super League table.
This is after spending their first 9 games in the bottom three of the log before Chipepo was hired on October 26 to replace the fired Ian Bakala and Nkana have never looked back with five wins and one defeat.
Nkana has 22 points from 14 games and are a mere six points behind leaders Power.
Meanwhile, Power coach Osward Mutapa heads into the game seeking his first derby win after losing his debut fixture against Nkana last April.
Mutapa emphasised that Powers main objective was beyond the bragging rights of the Kitwe derby.
“It’s a crucial game in that we are leading the pack, and we should show consistency. We should give reasons why we are on top of the table right now,” Mutapa said.
“We always want to win but this one is massive because it’s a derby and about bragging rights. We have to maintain the top slot.”
Three points are critical for Power who lead the table on goal difference and are tied on points with second-placed Kabwe Warriors.
FAZ SUPER LEAGUE
Week 15
07/12/2024
Power Dynamos – Nkana
Green Buffaloes – Green Eagles
Kabwe Warriors – Napsa Stars
Lumwana Radiants – Zesco United
FC MUZA – Nkwazi
08/12/2024
Mutondo Stars – Atletico Lusaka
Forest Rangers – Mufulira Wanderers
Indeni – Red Arrows
