League leaders Power Dynamos head coach Oswald Mutapa says confidence is high in camp ahead of Sunday’s electric derby against ZESCO United in the MTN Super League.
Abayellow travel to Levy Mwanawasa Stadium looking to build on their emphatic 3-0 midweek victory over Green Buffaloes, a result that further strengthened their grip at the top of the table.
Despite the strong momentum, Mutapa has warned his players against complacency, stressing that ZESCO remain a dangerous side even though they are currently enduring a four-match winless run.
“Scoring three against Green Buffaloes and going into a game against ZESCO, the confidence is high. The result was something that we wanted. Yeah, we could have scored more goals, but I think a lot of changes maybe didn’t work out to our advantage. But it was an important win as we go into the next game,” Mutapa said.
The former Nkwazi FC boss also highlighted the intense competition within the squad as players battle for places ahead of the crucial encounter.
“The players are eager to play, everyone wants to be part of the team. Yes, we are a team but you know players always want to fight to be in the first 11, going to be on the team sheet for a particular game and exactly that’s what is happening—everyone fighting for places. Of course we haven’t had the ZESCO session yet. Yesterday was more of a recovery and even today as we train we are cautious in trying to make sure we have the energy for tomorrow,” he explained.
Mutapa acknowledged that while ZESCO have struggled for results recently, their performances suggest they remain a serious threat.
“We need to take the game seriously. Yes, we are very much aware of how the team is performing, but if you look at the way they are playing, the way they played against Red Arrows, they did a lot and had chances. So we have to take it seriously because they are wounded and we have to take our chances,” he added.
Power Dynamos have been in impressive scoring form, netting nine goals in their last four matches, something Mutapa believes reflects the team’s growing confidence in front of goal.
“I wouldn’t say really playing the best football but of course the chances that we are creating we are able to convert and that is what has been missing in the past. Even when I came here talking about believing in the process because we are able to create chances but we just needed to have that confidence to convert into goals,” he said.
The coach has also rallied supporters to turn up in large numbers in Ndola to back the team as they push to consolidate their position at the summit of the table.
“Away from home we need the support. We have been playing our games, the CAF games at Levy Mwanawasa and we have won games there, so we want them to come in numbers and give us the support. We need the three points to consolidate the top spot. It won’t be an easy game—another tough game. All games we are playing are finals,” Mutapa said.
Sunday’s clash will also mark the first match in charge for interim coach Winston Kalengo following recent changes to the ZESCO technical bench.
While ZESCO head into the match on a worrying four-game losing streak, Power Dynamos arrive unbeaten in their last seven matches—setting the stage for a fascinating showdown in the Super League title race.
