Zanaco Face Green Buffaloes Without Key Players

MTN Super League leaders Zanaco Football Club will be without several key players when they host Green Buffaloes in a Week 7 fixture at Sunset Stadium on Friday.

Head coach Numba Mumamba confirmed that five players will miss the match, including Fredrick Mwimanzi and George Ngoma, who are ineligible to feature against their parent club Buffaloes, as well as Robert Saizi, sidelined with a knock, and John Chishimba, who has been unwell since the Kabwe Warriors game.

The other player is striker Araina Lambert who also sustained a knock that keeps him on the sidelines for a week.

“From the team that played Kabwe Warriors there are five changes we have made,” Numba said. “Two players on loan from Buffaloes cannot play, while Robert Saizi has a knock and John Chishimba has been sick. This has shaken the team a bit, but we trust the replacements to step up and prove themselves.”

The Bankers top the log with 14 points, two clear of Nchanga Rangers and four ahead of Red Arrows and FC MUZA. They are coming off a thrilling 3-2 win over Kabwe Warriors, a result that pleased the coach after early-season struggles in front of goal.

“Our finishing has been a letdown from the time the season kicked off,” Numba admitted. “Seeing the team convert three chances in the last game was very motivating. We hope the players can continue with that momentum.”

Looking ahead to the derby against Buffaloes, who drew 0-0 with Napsa Stars in their last outing, Numba cautioned his team against complacency.

“Buffaloes are a big team and they’re also playing well, so we must be on top of things to get a positive result,” he said. “We’ve worked on our defensive build-up and we hope to see improvement in that area.”

Zanaco will be targeting a third consecutive victory to consolidate their lead at the summit of the Super League.