Anticipation is running high as the nation gears up for Zambia’s most iconic football showdown, the Kitwe Derby, with President Hakainde Hichilema set to grace the high-stakes encounter between Nkana FC and Power Dynamos at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday, 8th November 2025.
In a remarkable show of support for local football and community spirit, President Hichilema has purchased 30,000 tickets to ensure fans fill up the 40,000-seater facility in Ndola. The gesture has been hailed by supporters and football officials alike as a sign of the President’s commitment to promoting sports development and national unity through football.
The derby, often described as the heartbeat of Zambian football, comes at a critical point in the MTN Super League season. Defending champions Power Dynamos enter the contest in fine form, sitting fourth on the table with 17 points and three consecutive wins. Their rivals, Nkana FC, are enduring a rough patch, languishing second from bottom with just four points and still chasing their first victory of the campaign.
Speaking during the pre-match media briefing held at the MTN offices in Kitwe, Power Dynamos coach Osward Mutapa said his team was determined to maintain its winning momentum and assert its dominance as champions.
“We are coming from three straight wins, and we want to build on that. We are champions and we must play like champions,” Mutapa said. “Personally, I haven’t won a derby yet, but I believe our team has shown that we deserve to be at the top.”
Power Dynamos defender Bamidele Ayodeji echoed his coach’s confidence, stressing that the players are not letting recent victories distract them from the challenge ahead.
On the other hand, Nkana coach Mwenya Chipepo believes the derby could serve as the perfect turning point for his struggling side.
Despite admitting that the team’s recent performances have disappointed their passionate fans, Chipepo expressed optimism that his players will rise to the occasion.
“We know we’ve let our supporters down, but we’re not giving up. Derbies are unpredictable, and this match could be the beginning of our revival,” Chipepo said.
Nkana captain Francis Zulu called on fans not to lose faith in the team, insisting that the players understand what the derby means to the people of Kitwe.
“We know what is at stake. This is more than just a game — it’s about pride, history, and passion. We’ll give everything on the pitch,” Zulu declared.
As Nkana and Power prepare to lock horns, one thing remains certain: in the Kitwe Derby, form counts for nothing as passion, pride, and history always take center stage.
With the Head of State among the spectators, this year’s edition promises to be one of the most memorable in recent history.
