By HONE SIAME
NKANA step up the gear in pursuit of glory in the CAF Champions League when they host one-time nemesis Kampala City Council Authority of Uganda in a potentially-explosive clash at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe today.
The two sides have had contrasting fortunes in recent years, with Nkana strapped in the abyss for 12 years while Kampala were making a name as one of the best clubs in Uganda, only rivalled by Uganda Revenue Authority.
In terms of overall pedigree though, Nkana have a slight edge and could have a psychological advantage having spanked the Ugandans 6-0 on aggregate the last time they met. But that was 22 years ago – 1992 – and dynamics have changed, though more in favour of Kampala, who eliminated one of Africa’s heavyweights Al Merreikh in the preliminary round two weeks ago.
They picked an unlikely 2-0 win in Khartoum but crashed 1-2 at home, creating an impression they could be good travellers.
Nkana are the polar opposites as they lost 2-0 to Mbabane Swallows before taking the Swazis to the cleaners with a 5-2 thrashing at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.
It is from these contrasting results that both sides are likely to pick it up from and that should offer some mouth-watering tie as Nkana play home-away-from-home at the other end of Kitwe.
Nkana, must as Kampala, have been nearly men in African football but the home side will be inspired by Zambia’s winning of the Africa Cup in 2012. What with former Power Dynamos’ midfielder Simon Bwalya grabbing a hat-trick against the sorry Swazis and last year’s top scorer Ronald Kampamba still keeping his boots intact!
The team chemistry seems to be working for master tactician Masautso Mwale who has, however, complained about the lethargic defence that has been breached in all the games this season.
“I always play to win. That is what we want to do when we play KCCA on Saturday. As hosts, we have to finish off a job here by getting a convincing win to avoid being under pressure when we travel to Kampala,” Mwale said.
Buoyed by the 3-1 victory over Red Arrows in last Saturday’s Samuel ‘Zoom’ Ndhlovu Charity Shield final at the same venue, Nkana will have to pick it from there to put one foot in the second round.
Simon and Kampamba will lead the hunt for goals.
The two were in a class of their own and scored five goals in the demolishing of Swallows.
Former Zambia striker Francis Kombe and Lottie Nyimbili are other options in attack.
Skipper Sydney Kalume, Claude Bwalya, Shadreck Musonda and Frank ‘Skill’ Chibuye will dictate play in midfield as Nkana seek to win the match by a cricket margin.
Kelvin Mubanga and Joseph Milanzi are other alternatives in midfield.
Overlapping defenders Donashano Malama and Maybin Chishimba will operate on the right and left wings, respectively, while Christopher Munthali and Billy Mwanza will partner in central defence.
Rabson Mucheleng’anga is a sure starter in goal.
But KCCA coach George Nsimbe said history will be re-written today.
“We have belief because we are in a much better mental shape. I believe we can do it. We shall approach the game as we did against Al Merreikh. The 1992 record will have no effect on us. I believe we are at par with Nkana because of the same style of football we play,” said Nsimbe, a former KCCA defender.
Nsimbe will rely on Tony Odour, Herman Wasswa and Ivan Ntege for goals.
Nsimbe, who recently guided KCCA to victory at the Mapundizi Cup in Tanzania, also boasts of goalkeeper Jama Salim, midfielders William Wadiri, Gaddafi Kiwanuka and Hassan Wasswa.
The match looks a balanced affair.
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