MATCH PREVIEW ||ABSA CUP QUARTER-FINAL.

Nkana FC vs Kansanshi Dynamos FC
Venue: Arthur Davies Stadium, Kitwe
Kick-off: 15:00 hrs

Kansanshi Dynamos Football Club are set for another thrilling ABSA Cup clash as they face Kitwe giants Nkana FC in the quarter-finals at Arthur Davies Stadium.

This encounter holds special significance for Kansanshi head coach, Zeddy Saileti, who returns to face his former club, having previously played for and coached Nkana. Speaking ahead of the match, Coach Saileti described the fixture as “exciting” and a personal highlight.

Kansanshi Dynamos are riding high on confidence after an emphatic 4-1 victory over Green Buffaloes FC in the Round of 16. However, Saileti is under no illusion about the challenge ahead, especially playing against Nkana in their home territory.

“This is a different ball game altogether,” he said. “We respect Nkana—they are a strong side with a tactical approach and experienced bench—but we are equal to the task and motivated by our previous win.”

Currently second in the league and pushing for promotion, Kansanshi Dynamos have been attracting attention, including from Nkana’s technical bench. Nkana assistant coach Josephat Nkoma acknowledged the threat Kansanshi pose, adding that they will not be taken lightly.

“We are not underrating them. They are in good form and not an easy team to face,” Nkoma stated. “But we are confident and targeting the final.”

Here’s how the pre-match press briefing held this morning at Garden Court Hotel in Kitwe unfolded:

Press Conference Highlights

Q (To Coach Zeddy Saileti): From your last performance against Green Buffaloes, do you believe your team can progress past Nkana?
Saileti:
“I’m excited to be playing against my former team. Having coached and played for Nkana, it’s a special game for me. Beating a big side like Green Buffaloes has lifted the team’s morale. Nkana are another big team with great tactical discipline, but we are prepared. We’re motivated, and I believe fans will enjoy this game.”

Q: Considering the match is in Kitwe, does that give Nkana an advantage?
Saileti:
“Yes, they have the upper hand being in Kitwe. Nkana has great support in Kitwe, but I also believe fans from other teams like ZESCO and Power will back us. It will be a balanced atmosphere—almost 50/50.”

Q: How are you managing the tight match schedule and long travel from Solwezi?
Saileti:
“It’s true, we’ve played many games recently and the travel from Solwezi adds to the fatigue. But our focus remains. We only need one point for promotion, so this ABSA Cup is a bonus. We’ve managed player recovery well and are ready for this challenge.”

Q: Any plans for Nkana’s danger man, Mbombo?
Saileti:
“Mbombo is a top player, no doubt. I won’t go into details, but we have a strategy for him.”

Q (To Dalitso Lungu, Kansanshi Player): What’s the mood like in camp ahead of this big match?
Lungu:
“We’re looking forward to it. It’s a huge game, and we’re praying it entertains the fans. It’s a cup match, and we’re focused on doing our best to get a win.”

Q (To Josephat Nkoma, Nkana FC Assistant Coach): Your thoughts ahead of facing Kansanshi Dynamos?
Nkoma:
“It wasn’t easy against Roan United, and we know cup matches are unpredictable. Kansanshi are a strong team with a great coach in Zeddy Saileti. We won’t underestimate them. They’ve been doing well in the league, and we expect them to come all out. But we’re ready.”

Q: What did you learn from the Roan United game?
Nkoma:
“Cup games are different—look at Europe, even the smaller teams give you a hard time. We’ve drawn lessons from the first game and are better prepared. Kansanshi won’t be easy, but we’re focused and ready to compete.”

Q: Any message to the Nkana supporters?
Nkoma:
“We urge our fans to come and support peacefully. We are not a violent team. We’ll give our best, and with their support, we believe we can make it to the finals.”

Q (To Nkana FC Captain Clement): What’s your take on this fixture?
Clement:
“Kansanshi are not a small team. They’re second on the log and that speaks for itself. They have experience and quality. But we are Nkana—we’ll show our class. It’s a different game and we’re asking our fans to show up and back us. Kansanshi’s win over Green Buffaloes was convincing, so we know it won’t be easy.”

This ABSA Cup quarter-final promises fireworks as two determined sides clash for a place in the semi-finals. All roads lead to Arthur Davies Stadium this weekend.