NAPSA Stars FC head coach Tenant Chilumba is preparing for a difficult assignment as his side takes on ZESCO United FC this afternoon at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in a crucial MTN Super League fixture.
Both teams enter the match under pressure, with NAPSA battling to escape the relegation zone while ZESCO United are desperate to end a worrying run of defeats in the league.
NAPSA Desperate to End Poor Run
The Pensioners head into the encounter following a narrow 1–0 defeat to Nchanga Rangers FC, a result that further complicated their fight for survival.
NAPSA currently sit 15th on the MTN Super League table with 24 points from 24 matches, firmly inside the relegation zone. Their recent form has been particularly concerning, with the Lusaka-based side managing just one win in their last nine league matches.
With the season entering its decisive stage, Chilumba knows his side must start collecting points quickly if they are to avoid the drop.
Emotional Return for Chilumba
The match also carries added significance for Chilumba, who will face his former club only months after leaving the Ndola-based outfit.
The veteran tactician parted ways with ZESCO United in September last year following a short spell that included leading the team in the Samuel ‘Zoom’ Ndhlovu Charity Shield during the 2025/26 season.
Chilumba later joined NAPSA Stars as Technical Director in December before being promoted to head coach, replacing Sipho Mumbi.
“A difficult weekend again, but we’ve prepared well. Although we lost on Thursday, the team is okay now,” Chilumba said ahead of the match.
Squad Adjustments for NAPSA
NAPSA will have to cope without midfielder Dickson Chapa, who is suspended after receiving a red card in the defeat to Nchanga Rangers.
Despite the setback, Chilumba remains confident that his squad has enough depth to fill the gap.
“We are missing Chapa but of course there is a replacement already. So we are very focused,” he explained.
With the club’s survival hopes hanging in the balance, the coach emphasized that climbing out of the relegation zone is now the team’s immediate priority.
“We are just hoping we can move from the relegation zone — that’s what we are working on,” Chilumba added.
ZESCO Also Searching for Form
While NAPSA are fighting relegation, ZESCO United are also struggling for consistency this season.
The Ndola giants currently sit 12th on the table with 28 points from 22 matches and come into the fixture after suffering a 3–2 defeat to Power Dynamos FC.
That result extended ZESCO’s poor run of form, with the former champions having lost their last five league matches.
Despite their struggles, the team will be eager to rediscover their winning touch in front of their home supporters.
History Favors ZESCO
Historically, ZESCO United have dominated this fixture. The Ndola side have won 17 of the last 26 meetings between the two teams, while NAPSA Stars have managed only four victories, with five matches ending in draws.
However, recent encounters suggest the gap between the two sides may be narrowing. NAPSA secured a 1–0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season, and ZESCO have not won either of the last two meetings between the clubs.
Conclusion
With both teams under pressure for different reasons, the clash between NAPSA Stars and ZESCO United promises to be a high-stakes encounter. NAPSA will be desperate to secure a vital result in their battle against relegation, while ZESCO United will be eager to end their losing streak and climb up the table.
As kickoff approaches at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, the outcome could prove crucial in shaping both clubs’ fortunes in the remaining weeks of the MTN Super League season.
