Arrows begin MTN Super League defence

Red Arrows will begin the defence of their MTN Super League title when they host newly-promoted NAPSA Stars on Saturday, fresh from beating the same side in the recent Charity Shield.

Arrows romped to the title by seven points last season and will be among the favourites again, though they have been handed a tricky start.

Stars spent a single season in the second-tier before bouncing back to the topflight and will want to make a big statement on their return, though they are seeking their first win over Arrows since 2018 when they claimed a 2-0 away victory.

ZESCO United will also be among the leading contenders as they have made some exciting additions to their squad for the new campaign.

They are away at Prison Leopards and like Arrows will have the distraction of the CAF Champions League to contend with this season, so making a fast start will be crucial.

“The team is ready for the competition and every player is looking focused for the league. To date we have seen a lot of progress from everyone,” ZESCO coach Mumamba Numba told his club’s website.

“We had an exciting preseason with the new guys bringing some competition to the team. I think we are very happy with what we have seen so far and hope this is replicated when we meet Leopards tomorrow.

“There is unity in the team, and I think we need to use that when we face Leopards so that we can start on a high. It will be important for us to win our first game especially that our objective is to retain the title.

“We really need to start with a victory because we have the players that can get us the results.”

Nkana FC open their campaign at home to Kabwe Warriors in a game that has been switched to Sunday.

It is a tough start for both sides, though Nkana have fairly dominated the clashes in recent seasons with four wins in the last five between the sides, though Warriors did claim a 2-0 away win in Match 2021.

Nkwazi and Power Dynamos face-off in their opener with both sides no doubt having high hopes of success this campaign, with potential qualification for the CAF club competitions.

Zanaco are at Chambishi and will have eyes on a title challenge this season. They have never lost a Super League game to their opponents, with the previous eight meetings resulting in seven wins and a draw.

Green Buffaloes travel to newly-promoted Maestro United Zambia, who are back in the topflight after a three-year absence, while Green Eagles are at Lumwana Radiants.

Finally, Forest Rangers will go in search of a much improved campaign as they start at home to Kansanshi Dynamos.

Finally, it is uncertain whether the fixture between newly-promoted Nchanga Rangers and Buildcon will go ahead after the latter were suspended by the Football Association of Zambia for not meeting licensing requirements.

As things stand they will not be eligible to compete in the Super League.