Leaders Power Dynamos host rivals Zesco United in a big Copperbelt derby this Saturday at Arthur Davies stadium in Kitwe in what could define both sides destiny’s in the remaining twelve games this season.
Power is making a very strong case for their first FAZ Super League title since 2012 which has seen them underperform since taking home their sixth top-flight crown.
Mwenya Chipepo’s side has also lost just twice this season and traces their last loss to November 5, 2022, when fourth-placed Green Buffaloes beat them 1-0 at  Arthur Davies.
Zesco on the other hand look rejuvenated following a shuttering first half to the season in which Mumamba Numba was sacked in October after two years in charge as the nine-time Zambian champions.
The Ndola side also looked stranded in the first half of the season wondering in an unfamiliar territory outside the top-eight of the log.
Zesco is still ninth but unbeaten in their last five games, four of those matches since the start of 2023.
They have 30 points and eleven points behind Power heading into this weekend’s round of 22 fixtures.
Zesco assistant coach Tennant Chilumba described the match as a make-or-break affair for both sides.
“They had gone five games without a win and they got one last week so they are also motivated but our boys are ready and we really want to get maximum points so that we keep on pushing,” Chilumba said.
Power come into the match after beating Napsa Stars 1-0 away while Zesco picked up a resounding 3-0 home win over perennial top four contenders Green Eagles in a match new signing Lazarus Kambole scored a brace to take his tally to three goals in two games since his six-month loan move in January from Young Africans of Tanzania.
But Power also has the impressive Andy Boyeli who made a powerful impact against Napsa when he created the goal and will be making his home debut against Zesco since leaving Chambishi FC.
Meanwhile, Zesco has not beaten Power since February 17, 2021, when they won 2-1 at home in Ndola.
Since then, Power has won two and drawn as many matches.
“But we shouldn’t relax for us it is like the first game of the season and everyone is ready for the big game,” Chilumba said.
“If we stop them we should be talking about something else after that.”
Victory could potentially move Zesco into the top seven and a loss for Power could see their lead cut to one point.
FAZ SUPER LEAGUE
WEEK 23
11/02/2023
Power Dynamos-Zesco United
FC MUZA-Napsa Stars
Forest Rangers-Chambishi
Green Eagles-Kansanshi Dynamos
Prison Leopards-Green Buffaloes
Lumwana Radiants-Kabwe Warriors
Red Arrows-Zanaco
Nkwazi- Buildcon
12/02/2023
Nkana -Nchanga Rangers
FAZ NATIONAL DIVISION 1
WEEK 23
11/02/2023
Trident -BARTS FC
Mufulira Wanderers-Mutondo Stars
Kafue Eagles-Young Green Buffaloes
Zesco Malaiti-City of Lusaka
Mpulungu Harbour-Konkola Blades
12/02/2023
Aguila Stars-Lusaka Dynamos
Livingstone Pirates- Kafue Celtics
Indeni-Jumulo
POSTPONED:
Atletico Lusaka- Kitwe United
