By Mubukwanu Kaingu
The final half of the 2024/2025 FAZ Super League campaign resumes this weekend with Nkana flirting with the serious possibility of going top of the log when they host Mutondo Stars at Nkana stadium in Kitwe.
Nkana has undergone a transformation since Mwenya Chipepo took charge on October 23, 2024 that saw them embark on an 11-game run of 7 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss.
That form lifted Nkana from third to bottom to a deserved second-place Christmas present on December 22 when they drew 1-1 away at Lumwana Radiants before the three-week break.
Nkana have 30 points, two behind leaders Zesco United who play on Sunday away to Nkwazi in Lusaka.
A victory for Nkana in their Kitwe derby against Mutondo at Nkana Stadium will see them take a one-point lead for at least 24 hours before we know whether they may just be warming the seat for Zesco.
The first leg against Mutondo ended 1-1 on August 25 during a difficult period for Nkana that two months later eventually led to the departure of Ian Bakala.
Interestingly, Nkana’s rise in October coincided with Mutondo’s slump after the latter started the season with just one loss in their opening 9 games and enjoyed a top-four status.
Thereafter, Mutondo picked up a win and a draw in their subsequent 9 matches and are now in the relegation zone trap door at number 14.
Elsewhere, third-placed Kabwe Warriors begin life without Mumamba Numba who made a shock exit this week to return to struggling Zanaco exactly five years after The Bankers fired him.
Warriors host a 12th placed Nchanga Rangers side that has shown signs of recovery since George Lwandamina was appointed on November 18 which has seen the Chingola side pick up 3 wins and as many draws in the new boss seven games in charge.
Lwandamina’s only defeat came in their last game before Christmas on December 21 when Nchanga lost 2-0 away at 9th positioned FC MUZA.
But it is worth remembering that Warriors beat Nchanga 2-0 at home in the first leg but that was when both sides were under departed management.
In Saturday’s other highlight of the day, 6th placed Power Dynamos return to action hoping to start 2025 on a good note when they visit defending champions Red Arrows at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
Power headed into 2025 with a four-match winless drought in which they picked a draw and trace their last victory to December 1 when they beat Nkwazi 3-1 away.
It is a relief to start away for Power following a fan’s protest against coach Osward Mutapa on December 21 when they lost 1-0 at home to Mufulira Wanderers.
Arrows and Power are on 30 and 29 points respectively and played a scoreless draw in September, 2024 in Kitwe.
A victory for Arrows may just see them go top if Nkana fails to beat Mutondo.
FAZ Super League
Week 19
11/01/2025
Napsa Stars – Atletico Lusaka
Red Arrows – Power Dynamos
Forest Rangers – Zanaco
Indeni – Green Buffaloes
Mufulira Wanderers – FC MUZA
Nchanga Rangers – Kabwe Warriors
Nkana – Mutondo Stars
12/01/2025
Green Eagles – Lumwana Radiants
Nkwazi – Zesco United
