Assistant coach Dennis Makinka says Kansanshi Dynamos FC will approach their upcoming fixtures without pressure as they continue battling to climb out of the relegation zone in the MTN Super League.
The Solwezi-based side, popularly known as the Mabanga Boys, will host Mufulira Wanderers FC on Saturday in a Week 23 encounter scheduled for 15:00 hours. Kansanshi will be hoping to respond positively after suffering a defeat away to Green Eagles FC in their previous outing in Choma.
Makinka acknowledged that results elsewhere have pushed Kansanshi back into the relegation zone, but he remains confident that the team still has sufficient time to reverse its fortunes.
“We’ve been looking at the table and obviously after yesterday’s games we dropped back into the relegation zone. But we still have a lot of games to play. We have about 12 matches remaining,” Makinka said.
Busy and Difficult Schedule Ahead
The assistant coach also pointed out that March will be a particularly demanding period for the club, with several challenging matches scheduled within a short space of time.
“It’s a difficult month with about three games in seven days. We have tough matches against teams like Mufulira Wanderers FC, Power Dynamos FC and Red Arrows FC who are enjoying good form. But we love playing games like these. You just have to enjoy them and play without pressure.”
Kansanshi will face a confident Wanderers side that heads into the match on the back of a victory over FC MUZA in their previous fixture.
Home Advantage Could Be Key
Makinka expects a competitive encounter but believes playing at home could provide Kansanshi with the edge they need to secure a positive result.
“Mighty are playing very good football at the moment and we expect a tough game. But we are playing at home with our supporters behind us and we should rise to the occasion. The boys are committed and ready to fight for the team.”
The Kansanshi assistant coach also stressed that the players must take responsibility for improving the club’s position on the table.
“We keep reminding the players that it’s us who took the team where it is, and it’s us who must take it out of that position. The players are capable. We showed that a few weeks ago when we picked up some positive results.”
Focus on Improving Finishing
Makinka revealed that improving their ability to convert chances has been a major focus in training ahead of the match.
“Our major problem has been converting chances. We have been playing well in games but not finishing our opportunities. If we improve on that tomorrow, we will be good to go.”
Currently, Kansanshi Dynamos sit 14th on the league table with 22 points, while Mufulira Wanderers occupy fifth place with 37 points, creating a 15-point gap between the two sides.
Recent form also favours Wanderers, who have won five of their last six matches, while Kansanshi have managed just one win in their last six games, drawing two and losing three.
A Historically Tight Fixture
Despite the difference in league positions, matches between Kansanshi Dynamos and Mufulira Wanderers have historically been closely contested.
During the 2019/20 season, Kansanshi Dynamos secured a 2–0 away victory through goals from Royd Alufonso and Norbert Chisala before the return fixture ended 1–1. The teams also played out goalless draws in both meetings during the 2023/24 season, and their first encounter in the 2025/26 campaign ended 0–0 in Mufulira, highlighting the competitive balance that often defines this fixture.
Conclusion
As Kansanshi Dynamos prepare for a demanding run of fixtures, the message from the technical bench is clear: the team must remain calm, focused and united in their fight for survival. With several matches still to play and home support behind them, Makinka believes the Mabanga Boys have the ability to climb out of the relegation zone and secure their place in the MTN Super League.
