Coach Perry Mutapa has shared his thoughts ahead of tomorrow’s week three match of the MTN Super League in a pre-match interview with NAPSA Stars FC media this morning.
NAPSA Stars FC will be hosting Kansanshi Dynamos FC at Woodlands Stadium tomorrow.
Question: How has the team been preparing differently for the upcoming match, considering the tough start to the season?
Answer: In terms of preparations, we continue the way we have prepared for the last two games, but we need to adjust to the need for players to focus and concentrate because in the last games we have conceded in the last minutes of the first half. We will not change our approach because we believe in what we do. We just need to pick up on areas we didn’t do well and see how to improve.
Question: Are there any specific areas of improvement that the team has been focusing on after analysing the first two matches?
Answer: The first thing is to improve our concentration levels, especially towards the end of the first half. This is where we have allowed the last two goals. We also need to be more clinical in front of goal. In the last game, we had clear-cut chances to win the game before we conceded.
Question: What are you telling your boys as you head into this match after the disappointing start?
Answer: I am telling them that we need to stay positive. We are only three points behind the top team, so we know that we are still in contention. We just need to win one game and we will be right back in the mix.
Question: What lessons have the team learned from the losses that can be applied in tomorrow’s match?
Answer: We have learned a lot from the losses. We have learned that we need to be more clinical in front of goal and that we need to improve our concentration levels. We have also learned that we can still come from behind and win a game, as long as we do not lose shape.
Question: How important is it for the team to secure a positive result in this third match, and what impact could it have on the overall season?
Answer: It is very important for us to get a positive result in this match. We know that we need to start winning games. A win would give us a lot of confidence and momentum, and it would put us in a good position.
Question: Can you share your thoughts on the team’s overall performance so far, and how you see them bouncing back from these initial setbacks?
Answer: We have not had the best start, but we have a good squad of players. I believe that we can bounce back from these setbacks.
Question- Are there any injury concerns?
Answer: Austin, Kabengele, and Aaron are out injured, but we are happy to have Leonard and Mwimanzi back. They missed out on the last match because we played their parent club.
Question: What message would you like to convey to the fans and supporters ahead of this crucial third match?
Answer: It’s been a disappointing start for us, but it’s water behind the bride. We are working hard to improve. I would like to ask the fans to continue to support us, and I am confident that we will turn things around.