WEEK-FOUR
KABWE WARRIORS VS NAPSA STARS
PRE-MATCH QUOTES
The pensioners are gearing up for another showdown against Kabwe Warriors as the two teams prepare to clash in their week-4 fixture of the MTN Super League. NAPSA Stars FC’s head coach, Perry Mutapa, has shared his pre-match insights ahead of this game, which is set to take place on Sunday, September 17, 2023, in Kabwe.
These remarks were made during a pre-match press conference conducted via Zoom with the media yesterday;
Q- What are your expectations ahead of this match looking at how youre yet to record a victory?
Of course, we are yet to record a victory, so we are looking for nothing but a win.
Q- Are your players under pressure going into this match, looking at how you’re yet to record a victory?
We know that they need a win just like us. We have two losses and one draw, and they are also looking for a win, especially after drawing their last match against Mighty Mufulira Wanderers. So, it will be a tough match, but we have prepared well, and it’s up to us as the technical team to put our players under pressure, which we are not doing.
It’s just a lack of goals, and we just need to correct the few mistakes we are making, especially in terms of scoring. So, we are working on utilizing the opportunities we are creating. I know we started like this even last season, but this time we want to work on correcting the situation as early as this coming game.
Q- You’ve only scored one goal so far. What are your thoughts on that so far?
For now, we are done with our transfers, and we are not going to panic. I believe we still have some places to fill in, but we won’t press any panic buttons. We only had two main strikers that did preseason with us and that is Musonda Kapembwa and Pinoki Vuvu, but the break gave us ample time to work on the new players that joined us after preseason, like Saith and Nazim. But with regards to scoring, every player in every department needs to come in and help with that. We have not been scoring, but the good thing is we are creating chances, so it’s just a matter of time before we start scoring.
Q- We have seen coaches being sidelined just early in the season. Any pressure on your end looking at how you’ve also not started well?
I don’t think so. When you’re hired, you either resign or get fired. These matters are mostly beyond our control. But I personally don’t think about such things. Right now, my main focus is how we will play in Kabwe. The most important thing is to prepare to win our game in Kabwe. We have lost two and drawn one, but the way we have played is okay, so we are not worried about whatever is happening to other clubs.
Q-You are at a better position in terms of head-to-head with Warriors. What is it that you feel you’re not doing right in these games?
We are failing to score. That is what we are not doing right. Last season, we were the third highest scoring team. When the players are not scoring, it gets to them, so we are hoping they start scoring fast so they can gain their confidence. I would be worried if they did not create scoring opportunities, but they are, so this is encouraging.
Q-Your first game without your assistant coach Siphon who has moved to Nkana. What is your good will message to the coach?
He is a great guy, a great coach, a friend, a brother. One of the best I have worked with. It was hard for him to leave and hard for me to accept. We formed a great partnership. I’m wishing him all the best in this new adventure. We had a great relationship and worked on this project together so well.
And yes, we are talking about his replacement with management, but for now, we are focused on our game against Warriors. We will talk about his replacement when we’re back from Kabwe. I hope the right person comes and we do better.
Q-What do you think causes the players to pick up form late in the season?
I think I mentioned about the strikers we recruited who came late. So, in terms of the basics in football, apart from scoring, that’s the area we have to work on. In terms of winning the league, we’re not worried about that for now. We can be worried about the short-term goals, which is qualifying for ABSA. So, we hope we hit the ground running early, but it’s only a difference of five points with the top team, so when we win, we will just be working on the consistency.
The coach has extended his best wishes to FC MUZA and Power Dynamos FC for their upcoming matches in the CAF Confederations and Caf Champions League, respectively.
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish our two representatives all the best in their matches. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to watch as we’ll be fully engaged in this match. Nevertheless, we are firmly supporting them and hope they perform well, ultimately helping us regain our four slots quickly.”