Coach reacts to 2026 Transition Season fixtures
Kansanshi Dynamos Head Coach Denis Makinka says the team will use the additional preparation time to fine-tune its preparations ahead of the 2026 Transition Season, following the decision by the Zambia Premier League (ZPL) to move the start of the campaign to October 3.
The ZPL had initially communicated September 12 as the start date for the Transition Season, but the league has since revised the date, with the campaign now set to get underway on October 3.
Makinka says the change gives the technical bench more time to assess the squad, work on different areas and adequately prepare for the season ahead.
The coach admits that the longer preparation period could bring some fatigue, having initially prepared for an earlier start, but believes the technical team must remain adaptable and make the necessary adjustments to suit the situation.
He is particularly looking forward to the October start, which he believes will also provide an opportunity to further assess the players and fine-tune the team before competitive action begins.
“We are eager, we are looking forward to playing the first games in October, of course, to even give us more time to prepare adequately and just fine-tune in all the areas that need to be touched,” Makinka said.
The Fearless Mabanga Boys face a challenging opening five fixtures, beginning with an away trip to newly promoted side Makeni All Stars on October 4 before travelling to face FC MUZA on October 10.
Kansanshi Dynamos will then host reigning champions Power Dynamos on October 14, followed by another home fixture against Konkola Blades three days later. The opening five matches will be completed away to Zanaco FC on October 24.
Makinka acknowledges the difficulty of the opening run but says competing against strong opposition is part of playing in the Premier League. The coach believes Kansanshi Dynamos must embrace the challenge and prepare to face some of the best teams in the country.
With the Transition Season expected to be shorter, Makinka has placed particular emphasis on starting strongly. He wants his team to keep pace with the rest of the league from the opening match and avoid giving their competitors an early advantage.
“It’s very important for us to make a strong start. Short season, if you start slow, you lose. You blink a bit, the teams are gone,” he said.
The coach also wants Kansanshi Dynamos to build on the strong finish to the 2025/26 season rather than starting the new campaign from scratch.
The new campaign will also mark Makinka’s first full season starting from the outset as the club’s confirmed head coach, having taken charge towards the end of last season when former head coach Mohamed Fathi went on leave.
Having helped the team establish itself in the top flight last season, Makinka believes the next step is continued improvement, particularly in confidence and belief.
He says the club cannot remain at the same level season after season and must continue to grow, with the team believing that it can compete against any opponent.
“It’s high time as Kansanshi Dynamos we started growing also, in confidence and just believing in ourselves that we are here also to compete,” Makinka said.
Makinka says he expects a lot from the squad during the Transition Season, while also recognising the work being done behind the scenes by the Club’s Executive Committee and sponsors to provide the team with the necessary support.
He also praised the supporters for their continued encouragement and backing, saying their support remains important as the team looks to improve on last season’s performance.
With the October 3 kick-off now approaching, the technical bench has additional time to assess the squad, fine-tune preparations and ensure the team is ready for what Makinka expects to be a demanding but exciting Transition Season.
