By Angela Bambala Bwalya
NAPSA Stars head coach Tenant Chilumba has described Saturday’s Transitional League clash against Nchanga Rangers as a final, with both sides desperate to secure their first victory of the campaign.
The two teams meet at Reiz Arena in Lusaka, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 hours. NAPSA will be aiming to turn their recent draws into maximum points, while Nchanga Rangers seek to halt a difficult start that has seen them lose all three of their opening matches.
NAPSA head into the encounter following a 1-1 draw against Zanaco, while Nchanga suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Nkana in their latest outing.
Despite the contrasting results, Chilumba expects a fiercely contested encounter, insisting that neither side can afford to take the match lightly as they look to revive their respective campaigns.
“It will be a very crucial game. We are also looking for our first win, and Nchanga are equally looking for their first victory, so it will be like a final for both teams,” Chilumba said.
The NAPSA coach anticipates a tactical battle, with both teams expected to approach the contest in search of all three points.
Chilumba is confident his side can deliver a positive result after using the week to address the shortcomings exposed against Zanaco, particularly lapses in concentration during crucial stages of the match.
“We are coming from a loss and a draw, and this is a game we want to get maximum points from. I don’t think Nchanga will come here looking for a draw or a loss; they will also be coming for a win. It is a very tactical game,” he said.
The coach stressed the importance of maintaining concentration throughout the 90 minutes, with the technical bench working to ensure his players avoid the late lapses that proved costly in their previous outing.
NAPSA have also received a boost ahead of the fixture, with Chilumba confirming that the squad has enjoyed a positive week of preparation and that no further injury concerns have been reported.
However, the Lusaka side will have to make an adjustment in attack following an injury to one of their strikers against Zanaco.
Godfrey Binga has been brought into the squad after impressing in training, with Chilumba indicating that the attacking position was the only area requiring a change during the week.
“A few changes have been made. One striker got injured against Zanaco, so we brought in Binga, who has been doing well in training. That is the only position we worked on during the week, and I think we are ready,” Chilumba said.
The historical record offers encouragement for NAPSA, who have won four of the 10 previous meetings between the sides. Four encounters have ended in draws, while Nchanga Rangers have claimed two victories.
With both teams searching for their first win of the Transitional League campaign, Saturday’s encounter presents an important opportunity to gain momentum and ease the pressure of a difficult start.
