Exclusive: Nkana Captain Says Kitwe Derby Pressure is On Power Dynamos

Nkana captain Harrison Chisala says pressure is on rivals Power Dynamos when the two sides clash in the Kitwe Derby on Saturday at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

The match which was set to be staged at Power's Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe has been taken to Ndola, in an effort to maximize on ticket sales.

Despite the game being staged out of town, there is excitement in the city of Kitwe with fans of either club eager to make the 60km trip to Ndola for the season's first installment of the derby.

On the training pitch, both teams have been working tirelessly to ensure that they carry the day and earn the city's bragging rights. 

PRESSURE IS ON THE HOSTS

Power have had a decent season so far. Going into the derby, they lead the league table with 28 points, level with Kabwe Warriors but they enjoy a healthier goal difference.

In contrast, Nkana had a slow start to the season. Things only began to pick up six weeks ago when they appointed Mwenya Chipepo to replace Ian Bakala. Ahead of this game, they sit fifth with 22 points.

In an exclusive interview, Chisala told SportsBoom.com that pressure is on Power Dynamos because everything reads in their favour. "I know it's a derby, they are the home side, and they are the team that is on top of the table, so pressure is on them," he said.

"We have been working hard in training, and we are easy about this game. I know the adrenaline will begin to pump as the game approaches, but we are quite relaxed about the game."

Power have dominated the derby in the last five meetings. The Ndeke side have four derby wins to Nkana's one. The biggest consolation for Nkana is that, that one win came as early as last season. They will feel they have what it takes to record a second straight win over their rivals.

"We are not thinking about the last result, no two games are the same. This will be a different game, and it will be a different approach. One thing I am certain is that this will be a very interesting game, I expect a very close game because both teams know each other very well," Chisala said.

BIGGER VENUE, BIGGER THINGS

Chisala said taking the derby to Levy Mwanawasa Stadium will give it a different feel. The Levy Mwanawasa is the national team's secondary home after the National Heroes Stadium. It has a seating capacity of 45,000 spectators.

"Every player wants to play at the big stage, it never gets bigger than the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, the turf is good and the atmosphere is electric. This will just add to what you need to expect in a derby.

"I know our fans, they will come in numbers, and they will support the team throughout the 90 minutes, the challenge is now on the players to deliver a performance that is befitting the support we get from our supporters," he said.

ABSA CUP REMAINS THE TARGET

Asked if this game could determine who will end up winning the league, Chisala said it is too early to start talking about the title. He said Nkana are taking each game as it comes and their immediate target is to qualify to the ABSA Cup, Zambia's only cup competition.  

To qualify, Nkana should be within the top six by the time the season reaches its midway. "The coach has set for us a target to make it for the ABSA Cup, everyone is thinking about that and not the league. We need to maintain our position in the top six before we go on mid-season break," he concluded.