MTN Super League Review & Preview: Kansanshi Dynamos Eye First Win
The MTN Super League roared back to life on Saturday following an international break, with Kansanshi Dynamos head coach Zeddy Saileti urging his side to seize their first victory of the season when they face bottom-placed Mutondo Stars at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe. Kansanshi, winless after one loss and two draws, are determined to turn the corner and gain some much-needed momentum.
“We’ve corrected a lot of mistakes during the break and technically improved,” Saileti spoke to the club’s media. “Scoring our first goal of the season in the last game was a big motivation. Now, we’re looking forward to three points to boost confidence and lift the boys.”
Facing his former club adds extra motivation for the experienced coach.
“It’s a big motivation,” he admitted. “I want to win games. Mutondo have energetic young players eager to prove themselves, but we have the experience and will attack throughout the game.”
Elsewhere, Lusaka will host another exciting clash as ZANACO welcome Nkwazi at Sunset Stadium at 15:00. Both sides will be eager to climb the table early in the campaign, with ZANACO especially looking to recover ground after being leapfrogged by several rivals in the standings.
Yesterday’s fixtures produced plenty of drama and reshuffled the table significantly. Kabwe Warriors edged Nkana FC 1-0 courtesy of a 59th-minute strike from Francis Banda, while Konkola Blades and FC Leopards played to a 1-1 draw, with Victor Mubanga converting a 47th-minute penalty before Gibson Banda equalized in the 75th. Mufulira Wanderers suffered a narrow 1-0 home defeat to ZESCO United after Bwembya Kakungu’s 63rd-minute own goal decided the match. Power Dynamos put on an impressive display with a 2-0 win over Napsa Stars, thanks to a brace from Moses Shumah in the 50th and 90th minutes.
10-men Red Arrows were equally clinical, beating Nchanga Rangers 2-0 with goals from Michee Malonga in the 70th minute and Alasana Diarra deep into stoppage time. Green Buffaloes saw off Mines United 2-0 as Bornwell Mwape scored in the 79th minute and Erick Chomba added a second four minutes later. Meanwhile, Green Eagles were narrowly beaten 1-0 by FC MUZA, with Rickson Ng’ambi’s 32nd-minute goal proving decisive.
The latest results mean FC MUZA now sit top of the log with 10 points, while Nchanga Rangers, who had briefly led after their first win, slipped to second place. Red Arrows and Power Dynamos have leapfrogged ZANACO into third and fourth respectively, though all three sides are level on seven points. ZESCO United’s 1-0 victory over Mufulira Wanderers moved them into sixth place, while Green Buffaloes and Kabwe Warriors follow closely in seventh and eighth, both on six points.
As the league table tightens, today’s fixtures are set to have a big impact on the early title race. Kansanshi Dynamos will be desperate to claim their first win to ease pressure on the squad and lift spirits in Solwezi, while Mutondo Stars will be fighting to avoid a fourth straight defeat that could deepen their troubles. Meanwhile, ZANACO will be determined to reclaim their place among the front-runners when they take on a resilient Nkwazi side.
