By HONE SIAME
CHAMPIONS Nkana are today expected to put back on track their title ambitions when they face tail-enders Roan United in a Super Division rescheduled Week 19 match in Kitwe.
Nkana have only picked a point from a possible six in the last two matches.
The Kitwe giants lost 0-1 to Konkola Blades in Chililabombwe last Wednesday and battled to a 1-1 draw with Indeni on Sunday.
Nkana coach Beston Chambeshi, who is yet to register a win at home in the league since returning to Nkana Stadium in July this year, believes this could be the moment to rise to the occasion.
“It is a very important game for us. We know it won’t be an easy one but we have to win so that we can remain on course to defend the title,” Chambeshi said.
Nkana, who will be without defender Christopher Munthali and midfielder Donashano Malama, who are with the national team in Cape Verde, will rely on strikers Ronald Kampamba and Festus Mbewe for goals.
Billy Mwanza will marshal the defence with skipper Sydney Kalume dictating play in midfield while Claude Bwalya and Shadrick Musonda will be supplying crosses from the right and left wings respectively.
Rabson Mucheleng’anga will be in goal.
For relegation-threatened Roan, victory over Nkana is a must.
“We will work hard to pick maximum points. Our aim is to win five of our remaining matches to survive relegation,” said Roan coach Dean Mwiinde whose side will host Nkana in Kitwe following the closure of Kafubu Stadium in Luanshya.
Having held Nkana to a barren draw in the reverse encounter, Mwiinde will rely on Arthur Kaseloki, Derrick Kabwe, Tom Bakala and Lyson Sikaonga to cause an upset.
Nkana have 33 points, 13 behind leaders and rivals Power Dynamos, while Roan have 16 points.