NAPSA Stars FC title chase and journey to the Super League will continue this afternoon when the Perry Mutapa coached side host City of Lusaka FC after the League went on the mid-season break.
Team Captain Luka Banda says the team will open the second round of the season on a high note by collecting maximum three points at Woodlands Stadium this afternoon.
The Pensioners will be looking for an aggressive revenge after they suffered a one nil defeat when they were hosted by City of Lusaka during an opener of the first round of the season last September.
The Local derby which will kick off at 15:00hrs will see the Pensioners aiming to claim back the top slot on the log, currently being occupied by Northwestern Side Lumwana Radiants FC.
The Pensioners finished the first round, second with 32 points after 17 games played. The team recorded nine victories, five draws and three losses.
And in an interview with Napsa Stars FC Media, Luka Banda says the three losses that were recorded in the first round of the season should be the last and the team will be aiming at working with clean sheets.
“My words to our sponsors, fans and the board is that they have to believe in us, they should not start having doubts because of our last loss,”
“Come January 8 when we open the second round of the season against City of Lusaka, we will collect maximum points.” Banda said.
Napsa Stars finished second in the first round of the season with 32 points, two points behind League Leaders Lumwana Radiants who have 34 points.
Today’s match will be live on ZNBC ‘s TV 3 on Top Star and Star Times App.
FORM GUIDE
Second placed Napsa Stars going into this game are enjoying 10 points lead over City of Lusaka who are eighth on the log with 22 points.
Napsa have recorded nine victories against City’s six victories.
TEAM NEWS AND KEY PLAYERS
Coach Perry Mutapa will not be expected to make major changes to his usual team and the team that played the last game of the first round against Gomes FC.
Goalkeeper Rodwell Mukwanya still favorite to start in goal as captain Luka Banda will lead his back line which comprises of David Odhiambo, Gift Zulu and Luka Nguni.
In-form duo of midfielders, Musonda Kapembwa and Austin Banda still available to offend opponents and are likely to start in today’s game.
We will have to wait to see if Strikers Jimmy Mukeya and Thomas Banda will start together in today’s match like they did in the previous match against Gomes.
The match is scheduled for 15h00 at Woodlands Stadium weigh gate charges being K10, K20 and K50 for Open wing, Grandstand and VIP respectively.
Story by Harry Nfula and Gwen Chipasula