AS NAPSA Stars visit Nchanga Rangers this weekend, Coach Perry Mutapa and midfielder Keegan Zulu have previewed this match which is scheduled for Nchnaga Stadium in Chingola tomorrow.
There has been some emphasized on the need to collect maximum points looking at how NAPSA Stars are fighting to qualify for the ABSA Cup after the end of the first half.
The Perry Mutapa-coached side is 12th on the log with 16 points from the 13 games played.
Here’s interview from both coach and Keegan.
COACH WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS AS WE HEAD INTO THIS MATCH AGAINST NCHANGA?
Obviously Nchanaga at Home are hoping to get the three points, but as Napsa Stars, we are coming from a bad patch and all we want is three points.
AFTER THREE STRAIGHT DEFEATS, HOW DAMAGING HAS IT BEEN FOR THE TEAM HEADING INTO THIS GAME?
It’s not a good thing to the team but as coaches and as a team, that’s why we train and that’s why we are there as a technical bench. These things happen even to bigger teams but it’s how you come out of the situation. So for us, we have emphasized even to the boys that this is not about the past, it’s all about what we will do in the coming games if we dwell too much on the past then nothing will happen. We know where the problem is and we have to fix it and hope for a better game tomorrow.
ANY DESPERATION FOR THE TEAM TO COLLECT MAXIMUM POINTS, ESPECIALLY LOOKING AT HOW WE ONLY HAVE FOUR MATCHES TO END THE FIRST HALF?
Yes, even in the past games we have prepared to get maximum points but obviously it has not been happening. But will get the motivation from the fact that we’re playing well. We just have to convert the chances we have been having into goals . We will work not to let the opponents to score us.
HOW ARE YOU LOOKING AT NCHANGA ESPECIALLY WITH THEIR GOOD HOME RECORD?
They’re a good team. They beat us twice last season. We are in the same boat with a point difference which can tell you that the game will be tough for both teams .
ANY INJURIES CONCERNS IN YOUR TEAM?
Rodwell Mukwanya, Simon Nkata and Luka Banda are still out just like the last game.
WHERE DO YOU THINK WE SHOULD BE WINING TOMORROW’S MATCH FROM?
From the chances we create. We are a team that has done so well so far. We create so many chances and what we need is to turn around are the result. The performance has not been bad we have to work on our mistakes and win tomorrow.
KEEGAN ZULU, WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS MATCH AS YOU VISIT NCHANGA RANGERS FOR YOUR WEEK-14 MATCH?
As a team we expect nothing but a win because we have not had positive results in the past four games. Our expectations are high and we want to go and fight for the three points as a team and carry the day.
HOW ARE YOU PREPARING MENTALLY FOR THIS MATCH LOOKING AT HOW YOU HAVE STRUGGLED TO PICK UP MAXIMUM POINTS IN THE LAST THREE MATCHES?
In football, you take each game as it comes. We don’t want to dwell on the past. We want to focus on this game. We have lost the past three matches but its water under the bridge; we have prepared for this one and focused as a team. So mentally, we are okay.
WE HAVE FOUR GAMES REMAINING TILL THE END OF THE FIRST HALF, DO YOU HAVE ANY PRESSURE COMING INTO THIS MATCH AS ABSA CUP CHAMPIONS LOOKING AT HOW YOU MIGHT NOT QUALIFY IF YOU DON’T DO WELL?
In football pressure will always be there, but it’s how you handle it. We are ok as a team with no pressure. We take each game as it comes with no pressure. We will work hard I am positive we will be able to achieve this goal of qualifying for ABSA so that we can defend our trophy .
HOW YOU RATING NCHANGA RANGERS COMING INTO THIS MATCH?
Our coaches have told us not to underrate or overrate any team. We know they’re good at home but we have worked tirelessly for this game and we shall take it as it comes. They’re a good side at home and that we know, but looking at our previous results, we are fighting to do good in this match.
NCHANGA ARE UNBEATEN AT HOME, DOES THAT GIVE YOU A DISADVANTAGE AS A TEAM COMING INTO THIS MATCH?
Looking at our previous results, we don’t have any other option but to get a positive result going that side. They’ve been unbeaten but we really need this three points and we shall work as a team.
HOW IS THE MORALE IN CAMP?
The morale in camp is okay. We have talked as a team and talked as senior players to boost morale for the young
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