FAZ CB Chair urges Nkana fans to back Power in CAF clash

FAZ Copperbelt Province Chairperson Patrick Ndhlovu has called on Nkana FC supporters to rally behind archrivals Power Dynamos as they face Sudanese giants Al Merrikh in a decisive CAF Champions League first preliminary round second-leg tie at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on…

FAZ Copperbelt Province Chairperson Patrick Ndhlovu has called on Nkana FC supporters to rally behind archrivals Power Dynamos as they face Sudanese giants Al Merrikh in a decisive CAF Champions League first preliminary round second-leg tie at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday.

Kickoff is 15h00.

Power trail 1-0 on aggregate after the first leg played at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.

Ndhlovu, a former Nkana President, said it was time for club rivalries to be put aside for the national cause.

“As Power Dynamos will be playing tomorrow against Al Merrikh, I call upon all supporters to rally behind the team. Supporters of all teams should rally behind Power Dynamos,” he told Icengelo Magazine after watching Power in training at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

“Of course, let all Nkana supporters come and support Power Dynamos. I call upon all the Nkana supporters to rally behind Power Dynamos so that they feel well supported. We are not playing as Power Dynamos we are playing as Zambia’s representative. This is a national issue. Let’s all come in numbers. Wishing Power Dynamos, the best and God’s blessings,” Ndhlovu said.

The call comes amid a known tendency by some Nkana supporters to back Power’s opponents in local and international matches.

Ndhlovu said he was impressed by the intensity in Power’s camp and backed the Kitwe side to overturn the deficit on home soil.

“I think the coaches and the players are very determined, if you see the intensity of the training, I can safely say Power are ready to win, and I am sure they are going to carry the day. Winning this game is very important,” he said.

He added that Power’s progress is critical for Zambia’s continental standing.

“We need Power Dynamos to reach the semifinals so that we can regain the four CAF club slots. This is what we want as Zambians and as the Football Association of Zambia. I have received a message from FAZ President Mr. Keith Mweemba, who is encouraging players and the coaching bench ahead of tomorrow’s CAF match,” Ndhlovu said.

The winners on aggregate will advance to the Second Preliminary Round scheduled for 16-18 October and 23-25 October.

The 16 winners from that round will progress to the group stage at the end of November.