Leaders Buildcon face big test in Ndola Derby

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Sep 22, 2021. 12:00

Buildcon’s staying power at the top of the 2021/2022 FAZ Super League table faces its biggest test this Wednesday when they visit Forest Rangers in an early-season Ndola derby at their shared Levy Mwanawasa Stadium based in Ndola.

The Ndola club is the surprise early pacesetter and is so far the only side after two rounds played with a one hundred percent start on 6 points.

Buildcon actually enjoy a two-point lead over second placed Forest who go into the derby after they demolished debutants Kafue Celtic 4-1 at home last Saturday at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.

Both sides also had an opportunity to spy on each other last Saturday in their doubleheader at Nkana Stadium where Buildcon beat Prison Leopards 1-0 in the early kickoff.

Meanwhile, Forest and Buildcon come into the game with contrasting tales so early into the new season.

Buildcon began their preseason fortnight before the league kickoff due to administrative issues when they also lost over eight first-team players.

Chipolopolo striker Brian Mwila is the only high-profile player still at the Ndola club that has so far punched above its weight with a modest squad.

“We tried to maximize with the little time we had to prepare the team,” Buildcon coach Boyd Mulwanda said.

“We are not there yet but we are trying to push and we are trying to manage our games.

“Our plan is not to lag behind in the first round and at least it is so far working for us and we are getting goals.”

Forest on the other hand have technically bought an entire first team in almost similar fashion to ambitious Buildcon early spending spree that characterized their first three seasons since making their top-flight debut in 2017 before the bubble bust.

Some notable arrivals at Forest include seasoned goalkeeper Allan Chibwe from Green Eagles, defender Billy Mutale who will face his former employers, and striker Bornwell who has joined from demoted Napsa Stars.

Another victory for the now “Have Nots” Buildcon over “The Haves” Forest will certainly make the establishment sit up and wonder just how far this fairytale is going to last.

2021/2022 FAZ SUPER LEAGUE WEEK THREE FIXTURES

22/09/2021

Kafue Celtic-Indeni

Prison Leopards-Power Dynamos

Kansanshi Dynamos-Kabwe Warriors

Green Eagles-Lusaka Dynamos

Konkola Blades-Nkwazi

Green Buffaloes-Zanaco

Zesco United-Chambishi

Forest Rangers-Buildcon

23/09/2021

Nkana-Red Arrows