By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Green Eagles head coach Perry Mutapa says his side is braced for a stern examination as they travel to face ZANACO in a high-stakes encounter at Sunset Stadium.
Separated by just one point, both sides have plenty to play for as the season approaches its decisive stage.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Mutapa said his team has used the past few days well following recent matches against Konkola Blades and Mutondo Stars.
“We have had a few days to prepare and we are ready to do battle,” he said.
Mutapa acknowledged the challenge posed by ZANACO, particularly after their ABSA Cup elimination at the hands of Chirundu United.
“ZANACO is a big team — and a wounded one at that. They will come into this game looking to redeem themselves. It won’t be an easy match for us,” he added.
“But we are focused on getting maximum points as we look to mathematically secure safety beyond the 40–43 point mark.”
On team news, Mutapa confirmed that Bornface Sunzu and Kunda Nkandu remain unavailable. Goalkeeper Mulungushi was rated 50-50, but the technical bench opted not to take risks.
“We’ve decided to use other options. The rest of the squad is fit,” he said.
The coach also had a message for sponsors Xtenda and the club’s supporters.
“They have always stood by us. We have to make our sponsors proud by improving on last season,” he said.
“They should be the 12th player and give the boys the morale they need.”
Green Eagles sit eighth on 41 points and arrive with momentum after a 1–0 win over Mutondo Stars.
ZANACO, meanwhile, are sixth on 42 points following a shock cup exit and a 2–0 league defeat by Mufulira Wanderers. Their last five league matches have yielded two wins, two draws and one defeat.
Green Eagles won the reverse fixture 1–0 and also hold a slight edge in recent meetings, with three wins to ZANACO’s two, alongside five draws in the last ten encounters.
