Charity Shield Preview: Zesco Utd v Green Buffaloes

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Nicholas Zulu is likely to start on the bench

Zesco United v Green Buffaloes

Venue: Nkoloma Stadium

Kickoff: 15: 00 hours

Charges: VIP- K20, 000 & Open Wing- K5, 000

Date: 6^th March, 2009.

Zesco United return to the capital city this time against rejuvenated Green Buffaloes in the Samuel ‘Zoom’ Ndhlovu Charity Shield at Nkoloma Stadium.

Zesco United will hope to repeat their 1-0 win over fellow CAF envoys Zanaco a fortnight ago but against Buffaloes side that thrashed Power Dynamos by three goals, Fighton Simukonda is aware it won’t be an easy game.

New Buffaloes coach Aggrey Chiyangi has managed to instill confidence in the soldiers and morale is high in camp looking judging from the friendly results.

Chiyangi, an African Cup of Nations silver medalist when Zambia lost 2-1 to Nigeria is 1994; it is a chance to uplift his credentials as one of the country’s brightest young coach. To win his first silverware as a coach, the former Power Dynamos midfielder cum full back will be counting on the partnership of Linekar Mwikisa and Robert ‘Baraja’ Tembo upfront. The two front men will come head to head against one time Chipolopolo crowd favourite Billy Mwanza at the heart of the ‘Team Ya Ziko’ defence alongside upcoming centre-back Percy Kisonge.

With Clive Hachilensa missing through suspension, the evergreen Rodgers Kamwandi will deputise on the right for Zesco while William Chinyama is expected to get the nod on the left.

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Billy's presence on the pitch will be the reason why most fan will trek to Nkoloma Stadium

Recalled from his loan at City of Lusaka were he banged 11 goals from midfield last season, Kennedy Chola will be the man to watch. He has a sweet left foot and he is threat from set pieces is something Zesco should be worry.

Playmaker, John Musukwa has been drifted into midfield, a position he made his name three seasons ago coincidently under Chiyangi at Chambishi and his reunion with his former boss has brought a new lease of life. In the absence of Sebastian Mwansa who has trekked to TP Mazembe, Musukwa now has the privilege of having the team built around and a lot will be expected from him this season.

In the absence of Dennis Banda, veteran and ex-Chipolopolo Boys skipper Misheck will be given a ‘directive’ of keeping quite former Roan United talisman, Derrick Kabwe, a one-time capped International.

Kabwe will lead the Zesco attack with skipper Enoch Sakala while Clifford Chipalo and Jackson Mwanza will start on the flanks.

Prediction: Zesco United 2-1 Green Buffaloes

Probable line up:

Green Buffaloes: Davy Kaumbwa- Chilambwe K., Misheck Lungu, Lawrence Lubinda, Joe Lungu- Edward Museba, Buchizya Mfune, John Musukwa, Kennedy Chola- Robert Tembo, Linekar Mwikisa

Zesco United: Jacob Banda- Rodgers Kamwandi, Billy Mwanza, Percy Kisonge, William Chinyama- Jackson Mwanza, Kondwani Mtonga, Siloni Jere, Clifford Chipalo- Derick Kabwe, Enoch Sakala

Man to Watch: Kennedy Chola- if he will be on song, ‘Ba Kedo’ will be unstoppable.