|By Angela Bambala Bwalya|
Green Eagles head coach Perry Mutapa says his side is determined to collect maximum points when they face Nkana FC on Saturday, 14 March at Nkana Stadium in a Week 25 MTN Super League fixture.
Kick-off is set for 15:00hrs, with the Choma-based outfit looking to build on their encouraging recent form.
Speaking in a pre-match interview, Mutapa admitted that preparations have been affected by a congested fixture schedule and travel demands but expressed confidence in his team’s readiness.
“There is not much time to prepare because of the congestion of games and the travelling. For us, we can say preparations started a long time ago. We just have to see how Nkana will come out and how we will also approach the game,” he said.
The Eagles coach emphasized that picking up points on the Copperbelt remains a key objective, especially after narrowly missing out during their previous visit to the region.
“It has always been our wish to collect maximum points. The last time we came to the Copperbelt, we almost won in Chingola but conceded in the last minute. This time around, we want to break that and carry maximum points,” he added.
Mutapa also acknowledged the formidable home advantage enjoyed by Nkana, highlighting the passionate support from the Kalampa faithful.
“Pressure is always part of the game because we want to do well. Nkana has that extra motivation — if there is a team in Zambia with a 12th player, it must be Nkana. Playing them at home is always a tough fixture, but we are here to do well,” he said.
The return of veteran defender Bornface Sunzu has boosted morale in the Eagles camp, with Mutapa crediting the experienced centre-back for bringing stability to the side.
“The return of Sunzu brings stability to the team. Keeping a clean sheet in the last game and scoring in five of the six matches we have played in the second round is a big morale booster,” he noted.
Mutapa also called on supporters to continue backing the team as they push for a strong finish to the season.
“They should believe in the team and give us support. The boys are improving with each game, and we want to make the fans proud,” he said.
He further thanked sponsors Zambia National Service and Xtenda for their continued backing.
Green Eagles head into the fixture in seventh position on the table with 35 points, having won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five matches. Nkana, meanwhile, sit 11th with 29 points after recording one win, one draw and three defeats in the same period.
Recent head-to-head statistics also favour Eagles, who have won six of the last ten meetings between the two sides, drawn two and lost two.
