MIKA FC Coach Nyendwa Targets Strong ABSA Cup Debut
MIKA Football Club head coach Kelvin Nyendwa says he is delighted after guiding his side to qualification for the 2026 ABSA Cup, marking his first appearance in the prestigious tournament as a head coach.
Nyendwa described the achievement as a major personal milestone, noting that it represents his second involvement in the ABSA Cup after previously attempting qualification while serving as assistant coach at Katete Rangers.
“I feel great, honestly speaking, after qualifying my team to the ABSA Cup 2026 for the first time as a head coach,” Nyendwa said. “This is my second attempt to qualify a team to the ABSA Cup. My first attempt was with Katete Rangers when I was an assistant coach, so this will be my second opportunity to play in the competition.”
The MIKA boss expressed confidence ahead of his team’s preliminary clash against Nampundwe, revealing that his familiarity with the opposition gives his side a tactical advantage.
“This fixture will be very easy for us because I already know how Nampundwe plays. We previously transferred some players from Katete Rangers because it was a sister club, so the majority of the players there I know very well. I understand their capabilities and I also know the quality Nampundwe possesses,” he explained.
Nyendwa added that his long-term ambition is to guide MIKA FC to continental football, stressing that the technical bench has been working extensively to ensure the team is well prepared.
“My target is to qualify for CAF competitions because football is not something you approach casually. As a technical bench we have been working very hard. We started our preparations early and we are now almost finalising everything. We have already developed a strategy based on how Nampundwe plays,” he said.
MIKA FC will face Nampundwe in the ABSA Cup preliminary round scheduled for the weekend of March 21–22, 2026 in Lusaka. The winner of the encounter will advance to face defending MTN Super League champions Power Dynamos in the next stage of the competition.
