By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Green Eagles coach Perry Mutapa has warned his players against complacency as the Stream B leaders prepare to host Roan United in their first home fixture of the 2026 MTN Super League Transitional Season on Saturday.
Green Eagles have made an impressive start to the campaign, collecting maximum points from their opening two matches on the road. They opened with a commanding 4-1 victory over Mufulira Wanderers before edging ZESCO United 1-0 to move top of Stream B with six points.
However, Mutapa insists his side must maintain their focus and approach the encounter with the right mentality, warning that their early-season form will count for little against a Roan United side determined to challenge the league leaders.
“Good away wins, but this one is a different ball game. We are at home, and we want to do well for our supporters, especially after collecting maximum points away from home,” Mutapa said.
With Green Eagles returning to familiar surroundings, the coach is targeting a third consecutive victory but does not expect to make significant changes to the side that has delivered back-to-back wins.
“The most important thing, obviously, is to get maximum points. In terms of changing, I don’t think we are going to change much, but of course, we are at home. We would like to give the victory to our supporters,” he said.
Mutapa also confirmed that his squad has no injury concerns ahead of the encounter, although he expects his players to raise their performance levels against opponents who have also made a promising start to the season.
“There are no injury concerns, and the boys have prepared very well. I think we just need to apply ourselves more than 100 percent in tomorrow’s encounter and get maximum points, but it’s not going to be easy,” he said.
Roan United arrive in Choma sitting fifth in Stream B with four points after opening their campaign with a win over Inkwazi before playing out a goalless draw against Green Buffaloes.
Their positive start has reinforced Mutapa’s belief that his players cannot afford to underestimate their opponents, particularly with Roan looking to make a statement against the early-season pace-setters.
The Green Eagles coach stressed that the contest would require concentration for the full 90 minutes, regardless of what has happened in previous matches.
“Of course, it’s a different ball game. Roan United are back in the Premier League. They won away at Inkwazi and drew against GBFC. A match is always won after 90 minutes.
“Whatever has happened in the last two games doesn’t count for anything in tomorrow’s encounter. We are telling the boys not to be overconfident because the match will be won after 90 minutes. We just have to concentrate, focus, and hopefully get the three maximum points,” Mutapa said.
Beyond the immediate challenge on the pitch, Mutapa has also called on Green Eagles supporters to turn out in numbers for the club’s first home fixture of the campaign.
The coach praised the fans who travelled to support the team during their opening matches on the Copperbelt, saying their presence in Mufulira and Ndola had lifted the players’ morale.
He now hopes the home supporters will provide an even greater show of backing as Green Eagles seek to maintain their perfect start.
“First of all, I would also like to thank the supporters on the Copperbelt. It was a job well done in Mufulira and in Ndola. We had our supporters with us for 90 minutes and it lifted the boys’ morale. Even at home, we expect much more than what we got on the Copperbelt.
“To our supporters, come in numbers and come and support the team. To our sponsors, who are always there, thank you for everything, and we hope we will do you proud tomorrow,” he said.
With six points from their opening two fixtures, Green Eagles will be eager to extend their winning run and strengthen their position at the top of Stream B. Roan United, meanwhile, will be hoping to upset the hosts and continue their encouraging return to the top flight.
The encounter is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, at Independence Stadium in Choma.
