By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Kansanshi Dynamos head coach Dennis Makinka has called for greater consistency from his players as they look to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat when they host NAPSA Stars in a Week Six MTN Super League Transitional Season Group A encounter on Saturday.
The North-Western Province side will be eager to return to winning ways in front of their home supporters after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Zanaco in Lusaka, a result that left them seventh in the Group A standings with four points from four matches.
Makinka admitted that the defeat was disappointing, particularly after the encouraging signs his team had shown during preparations, but believes his players have responded positively to the setback.
“We are coming from a 3-0 defeat to Zanaco in Lusaka. Obviously, it was a disappointing week after preparing so well and showing so many positives during training. But we look to bounce back, and it is very important,” Makinka said.
“When you fall, you need to get up very quickly, and that is a good sign. The boys have overcome the loss very quickly, and everyone is putting in his best. They are all looking forward to facing NAPSA and giving their best.”
Kansanshi have managed one win, one draw and two defeats in their opening four matches, with Makinka identifying consistency in both individual and collective performances as a key requirement if the team is to achieve its ambitions this season.
“We have had mixed results so far, and we are psyching the boys to be consistent. In everything that you do, if you are not consistent, you cannot achieve anything. So, if we are to achieve our goals, we need to be consistent.
“This is what we are working on, consistent performances by individuals and also as a team,” he added.
The coach also disclosed that Kansanshi have no major injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s encounter, although a few players are being assessed for minor knocks.
“So far, we have no major injury concerns. Obviously, just a few knocks, but something that we are still assessing. The doctors will be able to give us full reports, and they will make a decision by the end of the day.”
However, Makinka expects a difficult assignment against a NAPSA Stars side equally desperate to turn its fortunes around after losing 1-0 away to Nchanga Rangers last weekend.
The Pensioners are still searching for their first victory of the campaign, having recorded three draws and one defeat from their opening four matches. They sit eighth in Group A with three points.
Despite NAPSA’s difficult start, Makinka is wary of the threat posed by the visitors, insisting that their determination to collect maximum points makes them a dangerous opponent.
“We are playing from home, but we are also aware that NAPSA also lost, so they won’t be a pushover. They are also looking to get maximum points. So, it is going to be a tough game, but we will give it our all.”
The head-to-head record provides an intriguing backdrop to the contest, with Kansanshi holding the advantage after registering three victories against NAPSA’s one, while four meetings have ended in draws.
Saturday’s encounter kicks off at 15:00 hours at Kansanshi Stadium in Solwezi.
