NAPSA Stars Football Club Head Coach Perry Mutapa has urged his boys to enjoy tomorrow’s ABSA Cup Final match against Red Arrows FC.
The gaffer has emphasized that his team will not be under pressure going into tomorrow’s match, and added that the ABSA Cup final will set as good preparation for his side as they prepare to commence the Super League journey.
The Coach also confirmed during the pre-match press briefing held at Football House this morning that sensational midfielder Austin Banda will not be available for this match owing to a family bereavement.
Meanwhile, the Pensioners who qualified for this ABSA Cup final after eliminating Super League side GBFC and Nkana, recently confirmed their participation for the 2022/2023 MTN Super League competition after a season of playing in the Eden National Division One League.
And Coach Perry has nothing but respect for tomorrow’s ABSA Cup final opponents, saying they have done a tremendous job winning the MTN Super League title in style.
The coach has however stressed that his boys will not have pressure going into this final, but was quick to add that the Pensioners will endeavor do their best in this match.
“We have worked so hard to reach this far and it’s not by chance. We will enjoy tomorrow and give it our best,
“We are coming from a very difficult league and our aim was to bounce back which we have done. Going into tomorrow’s match, pressure is on Arrows and not us because they will be playing in front of their home fans,” Coach Perry adds.
The match which was initially set for Heroes Stadium, has been moved to Nkoloma Stadium, home of Red Arrows FC, with coach Perry confident that this will not disadvantage his side.
“I know the authorities did their best in organizing the venue for us, but this will bring more pressure on Arrows and not us. We will not give them an easy final,” Coach Perry added.
And Red Arrows goalkeeper trainer Kalililo Kakonje who represented the head coach at the press briefing said Arrows will not underrate NAPSA Stars going into tomorrow’s match.
Kakonje said Arrows have been preparing adequately for NAPSA Stars FC despite the team coming from the Eden National Division One League.
The Coach also acknowledged that their fitness levels have been excellent this season and that they will use that for their advantage.
“I know both teams want to end the season on a high. We are not playing an easy team so we have prepared adequately for this match. We will not underrate NAPSA Stars,” Coach Kalililo added.
He also confirmed that the team will be without the services of Twiza Chaibela who is still recovering from injury.
And NAPSA Stars FC defender Aaron Kabwe added that the Pensioners have not reached this far in the competition by chance and will fight in tomorrow’s match.
Arrows midfielder Edward Tembo said Arrows will fight to get a double for this season.
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