By MULWANDA LUPIYA, ELIZABETH CHATUVELA and DIANA MUTAKAFIMBO
NCHANGA Rangers coach Fighton Simukonda has described his team’s victory over reigning champions Nkana as a morale booster.
Rangers on Saturday came from behind to beat Nkana 2-1 in a week 25 Super Division match at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.
Midfielder Aubrey Chamulwanda and striker Patrick Musonda contributed a goal each while towering striker Festus Mbewe scored for Nkana.
In a post-match interview at Nkana Stadium, Simukonda said his team has now found its rhythm after recording successive wins over Napsa Stars and Nkana.
Last Sunday, Rangers battered Napsa 4-1 in Chingola.
“It’s a sweet victory for the team, supporters, management, sponsors and for me because where we were on the log it was not a safe place. So winning here is a big relief,” Simukonda said.
Rangers moved to sixth position with 33 points while Nkana have 42 with a game in hand against Nakambala Leopards.
Nkana coach Beston Chambeshi conceded defeat but put up a brave face that the Kitwe giants are still in the race to retain the Super Division title.
“We will keep on fighting until the last game of the season. We just need to work together as a team and look forward to the next game against Nakambala Leopards on Wednesday,” Chambeshi said.
And Nakambala coach Wilson Mwale said his team’s win over Indeni is a step in the right direction.
In an interview after Nakambala beat Indeni 2-0 in Mazabuka, Mwale said the team is determined to stay in the Super Division.
He said their focus is to win the remaning five matches.
Nakambala are eighth with 31 points, eight better than third-from-bottom Indeni.
Indeni coach Stephen Mwansa is confident the oilmen will beat relegation.
Power Dynamos coach Tenant Chilumba is optimistic the Kitwe giants will be crowned Super Division Champions at the end of the season.
With five games remaining, the top three teams are only separated by a point with Power in second position on 50 points after a barren draw with Green Eagles at Choma’s Independence Stadium on Saturday.
Zanaco are on 51 points while third-placed Zesco United have 49.
“We are still in contention for the title. A point away from home is a bonus. It is not easy collecting full points here but at least we managed a point which is good for the team. It was a tricky game. We came here wanting to get maximum points but we tried our best to get a point,” Chilumba said.
And Green Eagles coach Justin Chinama believes the Zambia National Service side will remain in the Super Division.
“We were playing a team that is competing for the title and the game was very tough. We are on so far,” Chinama said.
Eagles are ninth with 30 points.