By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Nkana FC interim coach Elijah Tana has struck a calm but confident tone ahead of his side’s clash with Green Eagles, insisting that results remain the ultimate priority as the Kitwe giants look to climb the table.
Speaking in a pre-match interview, Tana emphasized Nkana’s focus on securing maximum points at home.
“Football is all about winning. We will work on winning ways. Green Eagles is a strong side but for us, we will make it easy because we are at home.”
Despite the pressure that comes with leading one of Zambia’s biggest clubs, Tana revealed he is adopting a relaxed approach with his squad.
“I will let the players relax and play. I won’t over-plan.”
Tana will be taking charge of his third match as interim coach, having started his tenure on a positive note with a 2–0 victory over Konkola Blades before being held to a 1–1 draw by Mutondo Stars.
The former Chipolopolo captain is banking on Nkana’s formidable home support at Nkana Stadium and has called on fans to turn up in large numbers.
“The fans should come. This is our second home game and, as you can see, the guys are doing okay. They should come in numbers and support our young boys.”
Saturday’s encounter kicks off at 15:00hrs at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.
Green Eagles enter the fixture sitting seventh on the table with 35 points, having won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five matches. Nkana, meanwhile, occupy 11th position on 29 points, with one win, one draw and three defeats in the same period.
Form over a longer stretch slightly favours the Choma-based side, with Eagles winning five of their last eight matches (losing two and drawing one), while Nkana have recorded four wins, three losses and one draw in the same run.
Recent head-to-head statistics also tilt in favour of Green Eagles, who have won six of the last ten meetings between the two sides, with two draws and two victories for Nkana.
