By Satish Sekar at Kabwe’s Godfrey Chitalu 107 Stadium © Satish Sekar (May 26^th 2021)

First Course

The first match of today’s double-header in Kabwe saw former the late great Zambian icon, Godfrey Chaitalu’s former team Kabwe Warriors leap into contention for continental cup football next season. Under-20 international Prince Mumba grabbed the points for Ian Bakala’s side with a tap-in with less than five minutes left to play. The 1-0 defeat of NAPSA Stars, now coached by former Warriors icon and Africa Cup of nations winner, Kampamba Chintu (interview to published in forthcoming articles), saw Kabwe Warriors climb to third place in the log.

Tall Order

Recently promoted to head coach of NAPSA Stars after his predecessor, Mohamed Fathy, was sent on administrative leave along with Technical Director, Honour Janza, Chintu saw hope turn to despair. Around half an hour into the match a poor penalty was saved by NAPSA’s keeper – more accurately it hit his leg as he dived to his left, but the luck deserted Chintu with less than five minutes remaining as Mumba did his cause no harm by scoring the winner.

Chintu will always be grateful to his boyhood club, but his focus now is totally on NAPSA Stars. He is in no doubt the about the scale of the task awaiting him, but despite the loss, he is confident that they will avoid the drop to the Eden National League.