Roan United coach Satchmo Chakawa is preparing for an emotional return to Choma when his side face his former club Green Eagles in Week Three of the 2026 MTN Super League Transitional Season.
The two sides meet at Independence Stadium, where Green Eagles will look to extend their winning run after securing back-to-back victories, while Roan United aim to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
Roan have collected a win and a draw from their opening two matches, and Chakawa believes his side are capable of matching the hosts if they execute their game plan effectively.
“Returning to Independence Stadium carries a lot of personal history,” Chakawa said.
“We know the qualities Green Eagles possess, but in this game we will focus on our tactical execution. We had a solid week, and I feel we can match their intensity.”
The fixture carries added significance for Chakawa, who previously served Green Eagles as a goalkeeper before taking charge of Roan United. However, the coach insists his emotional connection to the Choma-based club will not distract him from his responsibilities.
“Green Eagles are in my heart, but sentiments have to stay back and let me do my job,” he said.
“This will be an emotional game because even in my squad, I have players who have roots in Choma, which makes it even tougher for them.”
One of Chakawa’s key priorities will be tightening his side’s defence after Roan conceded in each of their opening two matches.
The coach stressed that defensive organisation and compactness would be crucial against a Green Eagles side carrying momentum into the encounter.
“Defensive discipline is important in this match, looking at where we are coming from. We have allowed a goal in our first two matches, so having compactness and discipline in this game against Green Eagles will be important,” he added.
Chakawa also made it clear that selection would be based on form and a player’s ability to execute the tactical plan, rather than reputation or sentiment.
“As long as a player is able to execute the tactical plan, I am ready to use them. That is how you get points, by playing in-form players. It is for everyone to feature,” he said.
With Green Eagles enjoying consecutive victories and Roan United seeking to build on their promising start, Saturday’s encounter presents both sides with an opportunity to strengthen their early-season momentum.
For Chakawa, however, the contest will be about more than the points at stake. It will be a reunion with a club that shaped part of his playing career, with the Roan coach now returning to Independence Stadium on the opposite side of the touchline.
