Soccer Frenzy Builds Up Ahead of Kitwe Derby
The soccer frenzy in Kitwe has heightened as usual a day before the local derby between Power Dynamos and Nkana Football Club, slated for tomorrow at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Nkana Football Club coach, Mwenya Chipepo, says he is proud of the change in attitude among Nkana supporters, describing them as “changed” after years of being linked to hooliganism.
As Nkana prepares to face their archrivals Power Dynamos in the highly anticipated Week 11 MTN Super League clash, Chipepo says the team has been working hard to improve its striking force and move up from their struggling position this season.
Nkana captain, Francis Zulu, says the team knows what is at stake and is ready to fight for victory.
On the other hand, Power Dynamos coach, Oswald Mutapa, says his side wants to build on three consecutive wins, while captain Samuel Bamidele Ayodeji says it will be a special moment playing his first derby in Zambia.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 hours tomorrow at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Meanwhile, MTN Zambia Senior Manager – Operations, Magdaline Kang’ombe, said the players in the Kitwe Derby do not only represent their clubs but the entire Zambian football community.
“As MTN Zambia, we are proud to stand with our fans and the beautiful game in our country. Our sponsorship of the MTN Super League is not about putting our name on the trophy, but about investing in young, local talent and bringing people together,” she said.
In a move aimed at making the derby more accessible to fans, President Hakainde Hichilema has purchased 30,000 tickets to be distributed free of charge to supporters attending the match.
According to Copperbelt Province Minister, Elisha Matambo, 5,000 tickets will be given to Power Dynamos fans and another 5,000 to Nkana FC fans.
The remaining 20,000 tickets will be distributed to the general public through the Ndola and Kitwe District Commissioners’ offices.
Matambo also revealed that President Hichilema will be on the Copperbelt for a two-day working visit and will attend the Kitwe Derby as a neutral spectator.
“President Hakainde Hichilema will watch the popular Kitwe Derby at 15:00 hours on Saturday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium,” Matambo said.
Football enthusiasts across the Copperbelt are expected to fill the stadium as the two traditional rivals clash once again in one of Zambia’s most passionate football fixtures.
