The anticipation is building in North-Western Province as Kansanshi Dynamos and Trident FC prepare to renew their rivalry in the FQM Challenge Cup this Saturday.
What began as an opportunity to bring together two clubs connected by the First Quantum Minerals family has quickly developed into an eagerly anticipated football occasion, giving players the chance to compete, supporters the chance to rally behind their teams, and both communities an opportunity to come together through the game.
But when Kansanshi and Trident meet, there is always an extra edge.
There are bragging rights at stake.
Last year, Trident claimed both the men’s and women’s titles in the inaugural FQM Challenge, leaving Kansanshi with unfinished business heading into this year’s encounter. With both clubs now competing in the Super League, Saturday’s meeting carries an even greater sense of competition as the two sides look to establish themselves ahead of the new campaign.
For Kansanshi Dynamos head coach Dennis Makinka, however, the importance of the Challenge goes beyond simply settling the score.
He sees it as an opportunity to measure how far his team has come during pre-season, particularly after changes to the squad and adjustments to the way they intend to play.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to try and see where we’ve reached in terms of preparations, but also to try different combinations and different personalities as we see how we’ll start the league,” Makinka said.
Kansanshi have brought in new personalities and introduced some changes to their approach, and Saturday’s game will provide an early indication of how those pieces are beginning to fit together.
“We want to see how we gel together,” Makinka said.
Yet while the Challenge provides a valuable test ahead of the league, Makinka insists his players will not be approaching it as merely another preparation match. The desire to win, he says, remains at the heart of the occasion.
“I always say winning is contagious. Obviously, we are playing to win, whether there is money or no money, or it’s just a friendly. Regardless, our expectation is to win the game.”
That competitive mindset is likely to be matched by the supporters, who have been waiting to see their team back in action. For Kansanshi’s passionate fan base, the FQM Challenge offers not only the excitement of a major local fixture, but also an early glimpse of what the new season could bring.
Makinka has urged the fans to come out in numbers, support the team and enjoy the occasion.
“I know our fans are so passionate. We are just calling upon them to come and watch, cheer their team and just come and see a glimpse of what to expect in the coming season.”
The FQM Challenge has the ingredients of a special football occasion: two North-Western sides, a growing rivalry, passionate supporters and a trophy waiting to be claimed.
And while both teams will be looking at Saturday as part of their preparations for the season ahead, once Kansanshi and Trident take to the pitch, preparation will take a back seat.
Because this time, it is about who gets to walk away with the FQM Challenge trophy, and, perhaps just as importantly, who gets the bragging rights.
