Livingstone, Zambia.
NAPSA Stars Football Club Head Coach, Perry Mutapa, has expressed his delight and satisfaction with his team’s 14-day preseason camping in Livingstone.
Coach Perry’s excitement was evident as he spoke to NAPSA Stars media, praising his team’s hard work and undeniable progress during the training camp.
The team engaged in two preparatory matches, one against Choma Green Eagles and the other against Livingstone Pirates with the coach saying the match against a lower division team also provided the intensity necessary for the team’s improvement.
In their first game, the team travelled to Choma and secured a respectable 1 nil victory against their MTN Super League counterpart, displaying their potential for the upcoming season.
“I am thrilled with the team’s performance, particularly their application on the field,” said Coach Perry.
He acknowledged the Livingstone camp’s effectiveness in addressing the team’s targeted areas, including fitness, cohesion, and bonding.
“Our fitness levels are around 90%, and while we aren’t perfect yet, we are pushing ourselves to reach our peak. The experience in Livingstone Town has been beneficial as always, especially for our passing game, preparing us for the challenges ahead,” added Coach Perry.
When discussing areas for improvement, Coach Perry was candid, emphasizing the need to work on all aspects of the team’s performance, be it defending, attacking, or opening up play.
He praised the team’s solid defence, evident even in the friendly matches.
The Pensioners visited Livingstone Pirates and drew 1-1 in that match with defender Fredick Mwimanzi providing the goal for NAPSA Stars.
The integration of new players was another topic of delight for the coach, as he commended their progress so far.
“We are working on finding the best way to blend them with the rest of the team. Team bonding during this preseason has been excellent, and building chemistry on the field is crucial,” Coach Perry emphasized.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Coach Perry expressed determination to surpass the team’s performance from the previous season.
He highlighted having the core of the team already and mentioned plans to reinforce the squad with a few new players.
The team traveled with five talented junior players, and Coach Perry expressed satisfaction with their performances during the preseason camp.
The coach commended their efforts and revealed that the technical bench would convene to discuss their future with the team saying their impressive displays had certainly caught the attention of the coaching staff, and their potential inclusion in the squad was under careful consideration.
“We expect the new season to be tough, but I urge my players to remain focused and give their best. Our goal is to start the season on a high note,” Coach Perry declared.
Last season, NAPSA Stars finished an impressive fifth on the log in their debut appearance after getting promoted from the lower ranks.
The new season’s first challenge would be against formidable opponents, Zesco United and Coach Perry acknowledged the strength of Zesco United, but maintained confidence in his team’s capabilities.
“We are at home, and we are planning for it. Zesco United may have an experienced technical bench and players, and they’ve made some new recruitments, but we are up for the task. Our aim is to do our best and start the season strong,” Coach Perry asserted.
In conclusion, Coach Perry attributed the team’s success foundation to their time in Livingstone Town and urged the players to maintain the momentum and strive to achieve their goals in the upcoming season.
With Coach Perry’s optimism and the team’s hard work, NAPSA Stars Football Club fans eagerly await the start of the new season, hoping to witness a successful and competitive campaign.
