PRE-MATCH: Kansanshi Dynamos Target Home Redemption Against Unbeaten Konkola Blades

Kansanshi Dynamos vs Konkola Blades | 2026 Transitional League | Week 4

Kansanshi Dynamos will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeat when they welcome Konkola Blades to Solwezi Independence Stadium on Saturday, October 17, in their first home fixture of the 2026 Transitional League season.

The Fearless Mabanga Boys return to familiar surroundings eager to deliver a positive response in front of their home supporters after suffering a 4-1 defeat to FC MUZA in their previous outing. With the team determined to put that result behind them, Saturday’s encounter presents an opportunity to get their campaign back on track and give the home fans something to celebrate.

However, standing in their way is a Konkola Blades side enjoying an impressive start to the campaign. Under the guidance of experienced coach Beston Chambeshi, the Chililabombwe-based outfit have won both of their opening matches, collecting six points to sit second in Stream A.

Kansanshi Dynamos, meanwhile, have collected one point from their opening two matches, following a draw and a defeat. The team currently sit third from bottom in Stream A, just above the relegation zone, making Saturday’s encounter an important opportunity to improve their position and build momentum.

Despite the contrasting starts, the home side will be encouraged by the opportunity to respond on home soil. With the support of the Solwezi faithful behind them, the focus will be on producing a disciplined performance, improving defensive organisation and making the most of scoring opportunities.

Makinka Calls for a Strong Response

Head coach Dennis Makinka says the team has responded positively in training following the defeat to FC MUZA, with the technical bench focusing on restoring confidence and correcting the mistakes made in the previous match.

“The boys have done so well this week. The most important thing we focused on as we resumed on Monday was getting them to forget about the game. We told them this is just a bend and not the end. We are still moving; it’s a league, it’s a marathon,” Makinka said.

The coach acknowledged the need to improve defensively after conceding three goals in the previous fixture, while also emphasising the importance of better finishing ahead of the club’s first home match of the season.

“We have been working on defensive organisation and also on finishing because we are playing at home. It is our first game at home, and we have to give our fans something to smile about. At least, we need to play for every point,” he added.

Makinka, however, is under no illusion about the challenge posed by Konkola Blades, whose early-season form makes them a formidable opponent.

He described the visitors as a team enjoying good form and highlighted the experience of Chambeshi, who has previously been associated with Kansanshi Dynamos.

“We need to be at our best. We need to play the game from the beginning. No underestimation, no fear, but obviously we have to have respect for them. The way they are playing, we have to respect them, but not fear. We are giving it our all,” Makinka said.

Team News

Kansanshi Dynamos will be without Christopher Muhango, Mike Zozi and Dalitso for Saturday’s encounter.

Meanwhile, the availability of Bakodila and Bokingo William remains subject to further assessment ahead of the match, with the technical bench expected to make a final decision following checks on their fitness.

Head-to-Head: A Closely Contested Rivalry

Kansanshi Dynamos and Konkola Blades have shared competitive encounters in previous MTN Super League campaigns, with their recent meetings highlighting how closely matched the two sides have been.

During the 2021/22 season, Kansanshi recorded a 1-0 home victory before securing a 2-0 win away from home. Konkola Blades responded in the 2023/24 campaign, winning both league meetings 1-0.

The 2025/26 season saw the teams draw 1-1 in the first meeting before Konkola Blades claimed a 2-1 victory in the return fixture.

The historical record points to another potentially tight contest, with both teams having reasons to approach Saturday’s match with determination.

For Kansanshi Dynamos, the objective is clear: respond to the previous defeat, make home advantage count and begin turning their campaign around. For Konkola Blades, the challenge will be to maintain their unbeaten start and extend their winning run.

With the Fearless Mabanga Boys playing in front of their home supporters for the first time this season, Saturday’s clash promises to be a significant test of character, discipline and determination.

2025/26 Season