The 2007 football season kicks off this Saturday with the Samuel “Zoom” Ndholvu Charity Shield semifinals.
In this years finals, defending champions and last years top-flight winners Zanaco face Coca Cola Cup holders Kabwe Warriors at Woodlands stadium in Lusaka.
And in the other semifinal games up on the Copperbelt at Arthur Davies stadium, 2006 league runner-up Green Buffaloes will play Mosi Cup defending champions Zesco United.
Almost all four clubs are expected to unveil some high-profile 2007 signings with Zanaco most prominently introducing Zambia Under 17 midfielder Chisamba Lungu.
Buffaloes on the other hand are expect to rollout left-back Maybin Chishimba, their impressive Zambia Under 23 left back loan-signing from Konkola Blades.
Zanaco meanwhile, have been three-time Charity Shield champions over the last half a decade with triumphs in 2001, 2003 and last year.
The defending champions will be facing Warriors for the first time in the Charity Shield since 2003 when they beat the latter 3-2 in the final.
At Arthur Davies, Zesco and Buffaloes who both had differing fortunes last season will both be looking to start their year on a high by reaching the Charity Shield final to be played next Saturday at a venue yet to be announced.
Focus at Arthur Davies will be on Zesco’s form following a poor 2006 season and relegation escape in the final phase of the campaign before securing a late 8th place finish.
This match will also mark new coach Wedson Nyirenda’s competitive debut at the helm of a local top-flight club since leaving the assistant job at Zanaco in January.
Buffaloes will be a tough opponent to test Nyirenda’s senior coaching credentials after success as head trainer of the Zambia Under 17 recently.
Courtesy of Kalumiana KalumianaÂÂ
i hope you will be giving us the results for our local leagues in division 1,2,3 and the premier league.thank you for helping us who are very far,to be updated with local news.keep it up.