Coach Perry Mutapa has previewed NAPSA Stars’ week-four match of the MTN Super League with Green Eagles FC during a Pre-match press briefing held via zoom this morning.
NAPSA Stars FC is scheduled to host Green Eagles at Heroes Stadium, at 15hours tomorrow.
The Coach talked to the media and this is how the pre-match was;
What will you do differently in this match to overturn the result?
We are very optimistic; we don’t have to press panic buttons. When you press panic buttons, you’re bound to fail.
But of course we need this so we should turn the corners tomorrow and win.
In football pressure will always be there, it’s part of the game and it’s how you handle it
What are your expectations for tomorrow’s match?
It’s a big match for us; we want to get our first win so it won’t be an easy one. We have prepared very well and I know the results have not been very well for us, but we have been pushing and now looking at getting a win tomorrow.
You will play in front of your new home fans once again and you fail to win in your first home match, how are you looking at this particular match?
We are at home and we want to win this game. Of course it’s a concern that we are yet to win and we have not been scoring, but we are working tirelessly on that. We want to start scoring now and win games especially in front of our home fans.
Do you have any pressure going into this match?
In football pressure will always be there, even as individuals’ players do have pressure but it’s how you handle it.
Last week you talked about your solid defense and your concern about your scoring department., how long will it take you to get concerned that the strikers are not doing their job?
It’s a concern and more especially that for the past three games we have been creating chances.
We are hopeful in tomorrow’s game and I think we will find the goals and win the game.
In terms of the psychological aspect of the players, last time they went through the similar kind of patch where results were not coming, do you think the players are affected remembering what happened last time the team was in the super division?
We will not take them aback because that was last time. I believe things have changed and obviously last time they were allowing a lot of goals which is a different case now. This is a different team and a different season. The last time NAPSA Stars struggled towards the end of the season, but we have a chance to work on what is wrong now since the league has just started.
Our defense is solid and we just have to start scoring. It’s good that this is happening in the beginning of the season so we have time to work on where we are going wrong.
We are just two games from the top teams so everything will fall into place.
Would you call this run a blessing in disguise since it has given you an idea of where your problem is?
It is indeed because we know what to really focus on. We are ok in most areas aside from scoring.
We are happy we are not in the relegation zone but its early days and we will push the guys to be confident going forward. They are a good team and they have been scoring in training and friendly games, so we just have to replicate that in the games.
How do you rate eagles?
They have been one of the strongest teams in the league for the past few seasons.
They have picked up points in the league so far, but that should not worry us. We will not put our hands down. Eagles are beatable. But they are also a very organized team coached by a veteran coach. But we will do our best and carry the day tomorrow.
What will you do to get goals?
I know the players I have, so I will not press any panic button.
Of course we are concerned and people will always talk when results are not coming, but I have good players and I know we will soon get those positive results
How is the mood in camp going into this match, Jimmy?
The morale in camp is high. We are putting in our best. We know we have not yet scored as strikers but we have to keep our composure and believe in ourselves. Results will definitely come in these coming games. Our expectations are very high and we are putting in our best in training.