By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Kansanshi Dynamos coach Dennis Makinka believes his side can use the pressure of the MTN Transitional League to grow stronger after a 2-1 victory over Konkola Blades helped them put a heavy defeat behind them.
Makinka’s side responded to their 4-1 loss to FC Muza with a determined performance at home on Saturday, securing three valuable points in Stream A thanks to Joseph Ssemujju’s early opener and Bebby Onka Musangala’s second-half penalty.
Idris Mbombo had restored parity for Konkola on the stroke of half-time, but Musangala converted from the spot in the 74th minute to settle the contest and give Kansanshi a timely boost.
For Makinka, the victory was particularly significant against a Konkola side whose physical conditioning and endurance he described as exceptional.
“I always believe that where there are good things, there is always pressure. Diamonds are created out of pressure, so obviously there was a little bit of pressure because Konkola is enjoying very good form from last season, and they have continued into this season,” he said.
“We knew it was not going to be an easy game. It was never going to be a walk in the park.”
The Kansanshi coach was pleased with his players’ response to the Muza defeat, but felt the final scoreline did not fully reflect the opportunities his side created, particularly before the break.
“I thought we did very well, especially in the first half. We could have scored four or five goals, but we missed a lot of chances, and most of them were one-on-one with the goalkeeper. I think we need to improve in that area,” Makinka said.
Despite their wastefulness in front of goal, Kansanshi showed greater composure in possession and discipline when defending, qualities the coach credited for helping his team overcome a physically demanding opponent.
“The ball retention was good today. The defensive organisation, when we lost the ball, and the transitions, I thought we did very well. Kudos to the boys for how they applied themselves,” he added.
Makinka also praised his technical bench for studying Konkola’s playing style and preparing a tactical approach designed to exploit their weaknesses.
He singled out conditioning coach Buchizya for his contribution, saying the team’s physical preparation enabled players he had initially doubted could last the full 90 minutes to remain on the pitch until the final whistle.
Kansanshi’s preparations had also focused on ensuring the previous defeat did not undermine the players’ confidence.
Makinka said the technical bench made the team’s mentality a priority when training resumed on Monday, reminding the squad that one disappointing result should not define its campaign.
“We started with the mental aspect. We were mentoring the boys to forget about the loss against Muza. We also spoke about how, when you lose one game, it is never the end, but just the bend,” he said.
“Today, we have overcome that bend. We have started walking straight, and we just need to continue from where we have ended.”
The victory lifted Kansanshi to fifth place in Stream A with four points from three matches, while Konkola remained third on six points.
However, Makinka knows his team must build on Saturday’s performance if the result is to mark the beginning of a sustained improvement rather than an isolated recovery.
Kansanshi’s next assignment is a trip to Lusaka to face Zanaco at Sunset Stadium. The Bankers go into the encounter after a 1-1 draw against NAPSA Stars, setting up another test for Makinka’s side.
For the coach, preparations must begin immediately, with little time to dwell on either victory or defeat in a demanding transitional campaign.
“Every time you finish one assignment, it is a season of preparation again. You finish one, then you start preparing for the next,” he said.
Kansanshi will now look to carry the same intensity and determination into their meeting with Zanaco as they seek to turn their response against Konkola into a consistent run of results.
