NAPSA Stars FC is gearing up for an electrifying derby as they prepare to take on Red Arrows FC in a highly anticipated week-six clash of the MTN Super League set for Sunset Stadium at 13hours tomorrow.
The team’s head coach Perry Mutapa has shared his thoughts and insights in a pre-match press conference conducted via Zoom with the media earlier today.
Question: What your expectations ahead of this match against Red Arrows?
Answer: This has become an exciting derby. It’s a big game, and always hard to predict. We played them three times last season and it wasn’t easy. Red Arrows is a good team, so we expect a good game.
Question: Coach, congratulations for the big win last week. You have said these two teams are slowly creating an interesting derby. Going into this game from a comfortable win, Arrows are also coming from a defeat from Mighty. What’s your take in terms of knowing that Arrows will want to avoid back-to-back losses?
Answer: It’s a huge game, as you have put it. Arrows will not want to lose twice in a row. It’s become an interesting derby for us, two good teams playing good football. It’s always interesting for football, not just for both teams but even for the fun. So, it’s something which will produce a lot of fireworks. We are from collecting a win and we want to continue that path and build on it. We needed that win to build on games going forward.
Question: Last season you did not lose to Arrows. Do you think you have an advantage going into this game?
Answer: This is what makes this game exciting because we beat them and they started the league well so they will want to beat us, so we must work hard for it. We have prepared for it. Their loss last week makes them more dangerous going into this game because they have probably worked on their mistakes from that game. But we also want to pick up from where we left off. Of course, we beat them last week, but going into this game, the one that wants it more will work hard and carry the day tomorrow.
Question: Looking at five games so far in the league, the table is congested. Where would you point to this competition in the league?
Answer: It started last season, and you could see the competition because only Power Dynamos had more points than any other team. So, it’s something we are just building on from last season. Teams are working hard, and it seems like an interesting and tight season ahead, and it will not be easy for any team.
Question: Chances of qualifying for ABSA cup?
Answer: If we work hard, we can do it. It’s still a long way to go but we need to pick up points now and do well. That’s our short-term target, to qualify for ABSA.
Question: Your comment on using neutral ground tomorrow?
Answer: Arrows will still be the home side despite the neutral ground. We just have to continue from last week and maintain the focus.
Question: Availability of players for this match?
Answer: Daniel Adoko and Dickson Chapa have knocks and I am not sure if they will be available for this match. Philip Banda is also still out.