By Mubukwanu Kaingu
Unbeaten league leaders Zesco United have a great chance today of opening a five point lead when they host Nkwazi in a rescheduled FAZ Super League Week 2 fixture at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Zesco have won all their opening three league games of the season under caretaker coach Emmanuel Siwale following their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary stage exit that cost his ex-boss George Lwandamina his job.
It is no secret that the hunt for a substantive replacement for Lwandamina continues, but Siwale has so far delivered interestingly; all the victories have been by one-nil margins.
Another three points today will see Zesco jump from 9 to 12 points, extending their gap with second placed Nchanga Rangers who have 7 points and have played a game more with four matches.
It has also been a collective effort by Zesco with three different scorers in respective games, namely striker George Goma, midfielder Edward Lungu plus a penalty from Tandi Mwape earning them the points.
And Zesco needs a win this afternoon because their next date this Saturday is away to no other than Nchanga in Chingola.
Nkwazi too cannot afford a loss to Zesco today in what is their first of two successive away dates on the Copperbelt.
The Lusaka side is also currently sitting at number 12 on the table with 4 points from three matches played.
Nkwazi’s next match is up the road in Kitwe this Sunday when they visit limping giants Nkana who have recovered from a hangover after posting their first win of the season last Saturday in Lusaka where they beat Napsa Stars 1-0 away at Woodlands Stadium.
In addition, Nkwazi have picked up one point from their last three games since their promising start to the season on August 18 when they defeated Mutondo Stars 2-0 at home in Lusaka.
With critical dates coming up this weekend, a draw is not a result Zesco or Nkwazi will be satisfied with at the end of the 90 minutes this afternoon at Levy.
