By Angela Bambala Bwalya
NAPSA Stars head coach Tenant Chilumba says his side must turn their promising performances into victories when they travel to Solwezi to face Trident FC in the MTN Super League transitional campaign on Saturday.
NAPSA opened their campaign with a goalless draw against FC MUZA at home, while Trident suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Nkana FC. Both sides will therefore be eager to secure their first victory when they meet at the Trident Woodlands Estate Playing Fields.
Chilumba was pleased with his team’s performance against MUZA but admitted that the result fell short of expectations, particularly given the advantage of playing at home.
“Looking at last weekend’s result, it was not the result we wanted because we were playing at home. I am happy with the performance in both the first and second halves, but we really wanted the three points,” Chilumba said.
The NAPSA coach expects another difficult test against a Trident side determined to respond to its opening-day defeat, but believes his players must approach the encounter with a winning mentality.
“Looking at tomorrow’s game, Trident lost at home, so I don’t think it will be an easy game. It is a game we have to win again,” he said.
Chilumba confident despite away assignment
With NAPSA travelling to Solwezi for their second fixture, Chilumba is confident that playing away from home will not disrupt his team’s preparations.
The coach pointed to the work completed during pre-season, when the team played several matches away from home to prepare for the demands of the campaign.
“The boys are ready. We have been planning for the last few months since pre-season, and we played almost half of our pre-season games away. I think playing away will not affect us because we have always been ready for away games,” he said.
Although disappointed to have dropped points in their opening match, Chilumba believes the draw provides a platform on which his side can build during the shortened transitional campaign.
He stressed that collecting points consistently will be crucial as teams look to make the most of the limited number of fixtures.
“It was worrying because we really wanted three points, but we got a draw. I think it is not bad. In the Transitional League, you expect to pick up points, and even getting one point is a bonus for the team,” he added.
Tactical and mental preparation key
Chilumba has also been encouraged by the response of his players in training, with the technical bench focusing on ensuring the squad is mentally and tactically prepared for Saturday’s encounter.
The coach acknowledged that NAPSA have a young squad and believes effective communication and tactical discipline will be essential as the team continues to develop.
“They have responded well since we started training, and I am sure everyone is focused. It is a young team, so we have been talking to them. Shouting from the bench will not help. In modern football, we just have to be tactically and mentally okay for the game,” Chilumba said.
NAPSA have also received a boost ahead of the trip, with Chipo returning to contention after picking up a knock during the match against MUZA.
“We had a few injuries, but Chipo is back. He got a knock during the MUZA game, but everyone was ready for selection. This is the best team we have picked so far,” Chilumba said.
History points to another tight contest
The previous meetings between NAPSA Stars and Trident FC suggest Saturday’s encounter could be closely fought.
The two sides have met twice, during the 2023/24 season, with both matches ending in draws.
With neither team having secured a victory in the current campaign, both will be determined to break that pattern and get their season moving in the right direction.
For Chilumba and NAPSA, the challenge will be to build on their opening performance while finding the cutting edge needed to convert a point into three.
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 hrs at Sentinel Ground, Kalumbila on Saturday, 10 October.
