Kitwe Derby
| Other names | El Kopala, Chibwe Derby |
|---|---|
| Location | Kitwe, Copperbelt Province, Zambia |
| Teams | |
| First meeting | 1979 (top-flight league) |
| Latest meeting | April 2025 Zambia Super League Nkana 1–1 Power Dynamos |
| Next meeting | 05 November 2025 2025–26 Zambia Super League |
| Stadiums | Nkana Stadium(Nkana) Arthur Davies Stadium (Power Dynamos) |
| Statistics | |
| Meetings total | 32 (since 2011) |
| Most wins | Power Dynamos (16) |
| Most player appearances | Data unavailable |
| Top scorer | Data unavailable |
| All-time series | Power Dynamos: 16 Drawn: 6 Nkana: 10 |
| Largest victory | Power Dynamos 4–0 Nkana (2011)[1] |
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The Kitwe Derby also known as the El Kopala or Chibwe Derby is a widely regarded as the most intense and high-profile football rivalry in Zambia, pitting Power Dynamos against Nkana F.C.—two of the country’s most successful and historic football clubs, both based in the city of Kitwe on the Copperbelt Province.[1][2][3]
The fixture is a highlight of the Zambian football calendar and is frequently compared to major African derbies for its atmosphere, intensity, and cultural significance.[3][4]
Origins and Significance
[edit | edit source]The rivalry gained prominence following Power Dynamos’ promotion to the Zambian top flight in 1979. Prior to that, local football rivalries in Kitwe mainly featured Nkana and Kitwe United.[1] The Kitwe Derby is also affectionately known by names like "El Kopala" and "Chibwe Derby," reflecting local culture and the close-knit football community in the Copperbelt.[3]
Atmosphere
[edit | edit source]The derby is famous for its electrifying atmosphere, often drawing record-breaking crowds and generating massive interest across Zambia. Fans from across the Copperbelt and beyond travel to witness the match live, and local broadcasters and media provide extensive coverage.[1][3]
Recent Incidents
[edit | edit source]The 2025 edition of the Kitwe Derby ended in drama and controversy. A late penalty awarded to Power Dynamos led to outrage among Nkana supporters, resulting in crowd trouble and vandalism. Over 500 stadium seats were reportedly damaged, and the Zambian government publicly condemned the violence.[5][6][7]
Despite the tension, the match ended 1–1 and was hailed for its competitive quality.[8]
Competitive Record
[edit | edit source]Since 2011, Power Dynamos have held a slight upper hand in the derby, with 16 wins compared to Nkana’s 10, and 6 draws. In that time, 70 goals have been scored—42 by Power and 28 by Nkana.[9] However, form is often considered irrelevant in this fixture, with both teams typically rising to the occasion regardless of their league standing.[10]
Overall record
[edit | edit source]| Team | League | Cups* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixtures | 33 | 8 | 41 |
| Nkana | 10 | 1 | 11 |
| Power Dynamos | 16 | 4 | 20 |
| Draws | 7 | 3 | 10 |
*Cups include Zambian Cup and ABSA Cup meetings since 2000; record may be incomplete.
Win percentage(%)
[edit | edit source]| Team | League | Cup | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nkana | 30.3% | 12.5% | 26.8% |
| Power Dynamos | 48.5% | 50.0% | 48.8% |
| Draws | 21.2% | 37.5% | 24.4% |
All-time results
[edit | edit source]League
[edit | edit source]- (33 league matches since 2011)*
| Season | Date | Venue | Fixture | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 20 April 2025 | Nkana Stadium | Nkana vs Power Dynamos | 1–1 |
| 2024–25 | 7 December 2024 | Arthur Davies Stadium | Power Dynamos vs Nkana | 1–2 |
| 2023–24 | 20 April 2024 | Arthur Davies Stadium | Power Dynamos vs Nkana | 0–2 |
| 2023–24 | 12 November 2023 | Nkana Stadium | Nkana vs Power Dynamos | 0–2 |
| 2022–23 | 29 April 2023 | Arthur Davies Stadium | Power Dynamos vs Nkana | 2–0 |
| 2022–23 | 19 November 2022 | Nkana Stadium | Nkana vs Power Dynamos | 0–1 |
| 2021–22 | 23 April 2022 | Arthur Davies Stadium | Power Dynamos vs Nkana | 1–0 |
| 2021–22 | 12 December 2021 | Nkana Stadium | Nkana vs Power Dynamos | 2–0 |
| 2020–21 | 9 May 2021 | Arthur Davies Stadium | Power Dynamos vs Nkana | 0–2 |
| 2020–21 | 27 February 2021 | Nkana Stadium | Nkana vs Power Dynamos | 0–3 |
Cultural Impact
[edit | edit source]The Kitwe Derby transcends sport—it is a cultural moment that brings the city of Kitwe to a standstill. Pubs, markets, and public spaces are filled with fans clad in red or yellow, passionately supporting their teams. The derby is considered a source of civic pride and an enduring symbol of Zambia’s footballing culture.[3]
Stadiums
[edit | edit source]- Nkana Stadium (Wusakile) – home of Nkana F.C.
- Arthur Davies Stadium (Ndeke) – home of Power Dynamos F.C.
See also
[edit | edit source]References
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