Head coach Numba Mumamba says ZANACO FC are preparing for a difficult assignment when they face Kabwe Warriors FC in a crucial MTN Super League clash at Godfrey Ucar Chitalu Stadium on Saturday.
The encounter carries added significance for Mumamba and his assistant Noel Mwandila, who both left Kabwe Warriors in January last year to join the Bankers. Their return to Kabwe brings an emotional element to what is already expected to be a highly competitive fixture.
Speaking ahead of the match, Mumamba acknowledged that facing his former club on their home turf will present a serious challenge.
“Another important game that we have is against Kabwe Warriors, the team that we are coming from. We expect a tough game playing Kabwe Warriors at their home ground. We have done our homework to make sure that we prepare our team so that they are ready for Kabwe Warriors tomorrow.”
Both Teams Carry Strong Momentum
Mumamba pointed out that the encounter is likely to be evenly contested, with both teams enjoying positive recent form.
“Yeah, for us this is what makes this game a tough one because both teams are experiencing a good run in the last three games that both teams have played. So it won’t be easy for us to go in there and grab the three points easily.”
He emphasised that the responsibility now lies with the players to maintain focus and execute their plan effectively in order to secure maximum points.
“It is up to the team, the players, to apply themselves so that they fight to collect maximum points as we meet Kabwe Warriors.”
Emotional Return to Former Club
The ZANACO coach also admitted that returning to face his former employers carries mixed emotions, but stressed that professionalism must take priority on match day.
“It makes me feel good to go back to my former employers, but that is what also makes this game tough for us. So the team and the players just have to be positive minded so that we go there with the right approach and fight on the pitch so that we come back with a positive result.”
The Bankers head into the game boosted by their recent victory over Nkana FC, a result Mumamba says has lifted confidence within the squad.
“The mood is very high in the team. Every player is in high spirits from the time we played our last game and I think that is a game that motivated us, winning at home against a big team like Nkana.”
Warriors in Red-Hot Form
While ZANACO arrive with renewed confidence, Kabwe Warriors are also enjoying a strong run of results. The Magnificent People’s Team have won their last three matches, scoring seven goals while keeping clean sheets in all three games.
Historically, ZANACO have dominated this fixture. Since 2006, the Bankers have recorded 21 victories, compared to nine wins for Kabwe Warriors, with seven matches ending in draws.
However, current form suggests Saturday’s clash could be tightly contested as both sides aim to extend their positive momentum in the MTN Super League.
Numba Calls for Fan Support
Mumamba also used the opportunity to call on ZANACO supporters to continue backing the team as the season progresses.
“To our fans, we can only urge them to continue coming in numbers to give support to the team because they are the 12th player and we need that support and encouragement from them. They’ve been awesome from the time the season kicked off and we expect them to continue supporting the team like they have always done.”
With both teams enjoying strong recent form and additional narrative surrounding Mumamba’s return to Kabwe, the clash between ZANACO and Kabwe Warriors promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the weekend. For the Bankers, securing a positive result away from home would further strengthen their momentum, while the Warriors will look to continue their impressive winning streak in front of their supporters.
