DIVISION ONE GOES NATIONAL
My View in the Games
Two months after the end of the Transitional Season, football’s biggest domestic league is back underway and there are a lot of questions surrounding every club from top to bottom. Remember its the first time that we are having National Division One and its time to get excited . Another mile stone .
How will the new managers go at these National Division One Teams ? Will the clubs manage with distances ?
Who wins the first National Division One title ?
Can a club bust into the top four and make it to the Super League?
Read on for my National Division One League Round 1 tips , which are now available on every single National Division One League clash!
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Kafue Celtic Vs Circuit City
Independence Stadium
15:00hrs
An all Zone One affair if you talk about the zones and you should be wondering why Kafue Celtic always struggle while they have excellent eye for talent on this game.If Celtic have again grouped a good crop of players as we know them , we will be in for some entertainment because Circuit City doesn’t disappoint.
Circuit City straight from Super League has gone through a lot of challenges and we only have this one game to see what they are like after a very difficult phase .
These two teams have played together and they know too well about each other , am going for Circuit City because of their Super League experience on the first day.
My Prediction: Kafue Celtic 1-2 Circuit City
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National Assembly Vs ZAMBEEF
Woodlands Stadium
15:00hrs
Its the first time these two teams will be pitching up against each other. In Zones, this is a zone three Vs One and both will be disappointed that they failed to make it in the Super League. Assembly missing out on the play off to KYSA and ZAMBEEF pipped by KYSA in Zone three.
There have been some concerning signs for Assembly during preseason with some surprising losses and a lack of signings to bolster a top-heavy squad. They played a dangerous game against Young Green Eagles in the Charity Shield but I don’t think they will do the same in this one.
With the new season opening , it would not be at all surprising if ZAMBEEF came here and surprised Assembly , they have been a well organised team in zone three but this one is tough. Assembly should still have the quality to see off ZAMBEEF here.
My Prediction: National Assembly 2-0 ZAMBEEF
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Mpulungu Harbour Vs Chambishi
Kasama Ground
15:00hrs
Its a dream come true for Mpulungu Harbour who are looking for their first opening round win in this all new National Division One and its the first National things for them.
Chambishi have been around for a long time and they know how these things are done. They have played against the big boys in the Super League before and this will revive good memories for them.
This is Zone Two against Zone Three in the Zones format and on that you would already give Chambishi a tip to win this one. Both sides are expected to be in high form and while it would be jumping the gun to call this a six-pointer that will be pivotal to both teams, surely both would like to win this and start off the season well.
That being said this game is a bit too hard to split so take the draw here because Mpulungu is seriously staborn though the challenge is that they have moved from their home to Kasama as their home ground is being worked on.
My Prediction: Mpulungu 1-1 Chambishi.
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Police College Vs Zesco Shockers
Police College Ground
15:00hrs
Police College should be wondering what they are doing here after being excellent in Zone One last season.
Zesco Shockers should be kicking themselves for being unlucky and missing out of the Super League play off because of boardroom decisions .
But then the most important thing is that they are here and they have to focus on this one. Police College are a very interesting team to watch and they bring a very talented squad to National Division One flight with plenty of scoring potential in their lineup and should give Shockers a real early test.
In Mongu, at least I visited last season, opinion is split on the potential of this club but an opening day win would ease some nerves. I will go with a home win here , I think Police College are more a unit and they were well tested last season. Aaron the Coach has another opportunity to impress.
My Prediction: Police College 2-1 Zesco Shockers .
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Sinazongwe United Vs FC MUZA
Kazinze Stadium
15:00hrs
Its an all Southern Province affair with the teams that played in Zone Four the other season. No shocker here and its a matter of MUZA showing what they learnt in the Super League.
Can MUZA back up the two season’s ago remarkable form? Remember they were unstoppable in Zone Four . Is the question on a lot of minds as the side prepare to kick off their National Division One League campaign.
Sinazongwe on evidence of last season have quietly built an impressive squad driven by commitment and sacrifice and it will be good to see how they start this one. Not an easy affair and MUZA will be disappointed that they failed to make it in the Super league. A draw is written all over this encounter.
My Prediction: Sinazongwe United 0-0 MUZA
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Indeni Vs Chindwin Sentries
Indeni Sports Complex
15:00hrs
Indeni begin their National Division One Campaign against their fellow Zone Two counterparts in the Zone arrangement and I think they have been the better side over the years.
Indeni’s opening fixture is considerably easier this time around and they should get it going the fastest before Chindwin spoils the part.
This is going to be a low scoring affair with chances few and far between, there is a bit more pressure on Indeni to start off the season well here but this looks like both sides cancelling each other out. But with Indeni in Ndola ,I don’t see a lot of problems .
My Prediction: Indeni 2-0 Chindwin Sentries
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Zesco Malaiti Rangers Vs Kitwe United
Queensmead Stadium
15:00hrs
An interesting way to start the season and it is Kitwe United that will start this clash as clear favourites.
Chingalika dropped out from Super League last season and at this stage have maintained the main core of that side while adding a number of players up front and at the back.
Zesco Malaiti Rangers go into this season with a very similar side to last year, but motivation levels are likely to be much higher than they were at this stage 12 months ago. Of course because of the a National League status.
Winning away from home was an issue for Kitwe United in the Super league City and they have to work on that problem if they want to get back to the super league so fast.
Kitwe United should win this game, but it would not surprise if they are a touch slow out of the blocks but a win really does appeal.
My Prediction: Zesco Malaiti Rangers 1-2 Kitwe United
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Gomes Vs Prison Leopards
Trade Fair Ground
15:00hrs
Welcome to the National Division One Mr Oswald Mutapa, your first competitive fixture comes against a side that was one of the most dominant teams in Zone three and a team that is just coming from the Super League .
When new Gomes boss Oswald Mutapa received the draw, he presumably heard something along those lines.
Prisons are coming with a lot of confidence but this will be their toughest test travelling to an optimistic Gomes side with Oswald as a coach.
It is too hard to back against Prisons Leopards however and they should be able to see off Gomes here but that Oswald effect could be the game changer .
My Prediction: Gomes 1-1 Prison Leopards.
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Young Green Eagles Vs Mumbwa Medics
Kosi Stadium
15:00hrs
What a story Young Green Eagles are putting across to the country. They found themselves in the play off and were eliminated by Kansanshi Dynamos. Appealed and couldn’t go their way. Favorites against National Assembly and lucky wasn’t on their side , they lost the possibility of their first silverware in their history.
Mumbwa Medics finished last season with a very wet sail and they were excellent in the second half of the season in Zone Four. Underrate them at tour own peril .
There is no reason that Mumbwa Medica can’t build on that this season and push for a top four finish, but they will need to improve their record away from home as that is what let them down last season.
Let’s see what they do here but this Young Green Eagles team look more capable.
My Prediction: Young Green Eagles 1-0 Mumbwa Medics
Enjoy the games