Trident FC head coach Kebby Hachipuka remains optimistic about his side’s prospects despite a winless start to the 2026 MTN Super League Transitional Season, insisting that his players have the belief and determination to turn their campaign around.
The Conquerors host familiar opponents Makeni All Stars at Sentinel Grounds in Kalumbila on Saturday, with both sides desperate for their first victory after three matches.
Trident and Makeni have each collected one point from their opening three games, leaving them eighth and ninth respectively in Stream A. However, Trident hold the advantage on goal difference, having scored once and conceded three goals, compared with Makeni’s one goal scored and five conceded.
Stream A standings
Before Matchweek 4 · Both teams have played three matches
| Position | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8th | Trident FC | 3 | -2 | 1 |
| 9th | Makeni All Stars | 3 | -4 | 1 |
Trident head into the encounter encouraged by their performance against defending champions Power Dynamos, despite suffering a 2-1 defeat. The match saw them score their first goal of the campaign, offering Hachipuka a positive sign ahead of the weekend fixture.
“The mood is actually very positive. Obviously, nobody likes to go winless in the opening games, but we take a lot of encouragement from how we performed against Power Dynamos,” Hachipuka said.
“Scoring our first goal away against the champions showed the character and quality we have in this group.”
The Trident coach believes his players have made progress on the training ground and is confident they can produce a more disciplined and effective performance against Makeni.
“You will see a team that is brave, organised and proactive. We’ve ironed out a few defensive lapses from previous weeks and worked heavily on our final-third execution.
“We want to take our chances when they come and reward the fans.”
Saturday’s meeting also offers Trident an opportunity to improve on their recent record against Makeni, who proved difficult opponents during last season’s promotion battle.
Trident lost at home and drew away against Makeni in their previous campaign, results Hachipuka hopes will provide additional motivation rather than weigh on his players.
“We look at it as motivation rather than pressure. Makeni All Stars are a resilient side; we know each other very well from last season,” he said.
“We fell short against them last season, and that gives us every reason to be extra hungry to put on a performance and get the result our supporters deserve.”
With both teams level on points and struggling for early-season momentum, the encounter presents an important opportunity to secure a first win and move away from the bottom of Stream A.
For Trident, home advantage and the encouraging signs against Power Dynamos could prove crucial as Hachipuka’s men look to turn promise into points.
