By Bola Yapa Zed | 26th October, 2025
The 2025/26 MTN Super League campaign has been one to forget so far for Nkana Football Club, who remain winless after nine games. The Kitwe giants, one of Zambia’s most decorated sides, have managed just four points, scoring only one goal while conceding nine, leaving them second from bottom with a goal difference of -8.
Their latest setback came at Shinde Stadium, where they fell 1–0 to Mufulira Wanderers in a tense Copperbelt derby. It was another frustrating afternoon for Kalampa, whose loyal supporters are running out of patience as the club continues to struggle for form, goals, and identity.
Slow Start: Early Draws Offer False Hope
Nkana began their season away to Leopards FC on 17 August 2025, battling to a 0–0 draw that looked promising given their solid defensive structure. They followed it up with a 1–1 home draw against Nkwazi a week later — the only match this season in which they have found the back of the net.
At that point, optimism was still alive. The team seemed capable of competing, but their inability to convert chances into victories soon became a recurring problem.
Administrative Chaos and Loss of Momentum
In Week 3, Nkana suffered a 3–0 defeat to Green Buffaloes, not on the pitch but in the boardroom, for fielding an ineligible player (Nduna Zulu). The administrative blunder was costly — not only did they lose valuable points, but it also reflected a lack of coordination between the technical and administrative arms of the club.
Since that incident, the team’s momentum has evaporated, with results continuing to slide in subsequent weeks.
Mounting Pressure: Mid-Season Struggles Continue
Losses to Kabwe Warriors (1–0) and Zanaco FC (1–0) in Weeks 4 and 5 exposed Nkana’s growing fragility in front of goal. The team created chances but lacked a decisive edge, while defensive lapses became more frequent.
A goalless draw away to Konkola Blades and another 0–0 home stalemate with Mutondo Stars showed some defensive discipline but highlighted the glaring lack of creativity in midfield and finishing up front.
Then came a 2–0 defeat to Green Eagles in Choma and a 1–0 loss to Mufulira Wanderers at Nkana Stadium — both matches where Nkana looked flat and disjointed. The story has been the same week after week: decent build-up play, no cutting edge, and a defense that buckles under sustained pressure.
Analytical Breakdown: What’s Going Wrong?
1. Lack of Offensive Spark
Nkana have scored only once in nine games — a statistic that sums up their biggest issue. Their forwards have struggled to link up effectively, with limited service from midfield. The absence of a natural playmaker capable of threading decisive passes has rendered their attack predictable and easy to contain.
2. Midfield Disconnect
The midfield has failed to dominate games. Too often, Nkana lose second balls and fail to control tempo, leaving the defense exposed. Without consistent transitions from defense to attack, the team spends more time chasing possession than creating opportunities.
3. Defensive Errors and Inconsistency
While Nkana have kept four clean sheets, their overall defensive organization has been inconsistent. Concentration lapses, particularly in the second half, have cost them dearly — such as against Kabwe Warriors and Mufulira Wanderers.
4. Low Morale and Fan Pressure
Nkana’s fan base is among the most passionate in Zambia, but prolonged struggles have created mounting tension. The atmosphere around Nkana Stadium has been tense, with fans calling for immediate turnaround as the team flirts dangerously close to the relegation zone.
What the Numbers Reveal
These statistics paint a stark picture: Nkana are in survival mode, and if drastic improvements aren’t made soon, they could find themselves in an early relegation scrap.
Upcoming Fixtures: A Crucial Test of Character
Next up, Nkana travel to Nkoloma Stadium to face Red Arrows, the defending champions, in what promises to be a difficult assignment. Arrows, flying high this season, boast one of the league’s strongest home records and will be looking to capitalize on Nkana’s struggles.
A win for Nkana could transform their confidence and spark a potential turnaround, but a defeat would plunge them deeper into trouble — possibly anchoring them to the bottom of the table.
After that, Nkana return home to host Power Dynamos in the Copperbelt Derby, one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in Zambian football. Facing the champions of Africa’s premier club competition will be a daunting challenge, but it’s also an opportunity for redemption. A positive result could restore pride and belief among the Nkana faithful.
Conclusion
With nine matches gone and no victories, Nkana’s current situation is dire but not beyond repair. The coming weeks will be decisive — a strong showing against Red Arrows and Power Dynamos could change the trajectory of their season.
However, failure to address their scoring woes, tactical imbalances, and administrative lapses will make the road to recovery even steeper. For now, Nkana must find a way to reignite the fire that once made Kalampa a symbol of excellence in Zambian football.
