Green Eagles head coach Perry Mutapa says he is anticipating a difficult encounter when his side faces relegation-threatened Nkwazi FC in the MTN Super League this afternoon at Independence Stadium in Choma.
The Choma-based side will be looking to bounce back after suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to FC Leopards in their last outing, but Mutapa insists the team has been performing well overall despite the setback.
“Yes, the service derby will be difficult because Nkwazi are also in the relegation zone, just like the last team we played. They will come here looking for a win, but for us we must make sure we collect maximum points, especially since we are playing at home,” Mutapa said.
The former Power Dynamos coach admitted there could be a few changes to the team but stressed that the main objective remains securing all three points.
“There might be one or two changes, but the most important thing is to collect the maximum points. Coming from a loss is not good, but I think the team has been performing well. In the last game we just made some errors which we need to correct in the next match,” he added.
Mutapa said his side is taking the season one game at a time and believes Green Eagles are moving in the right direction compared to last season.
“First and foremost you have to see where Green Eagles is coming from. So far, so good. We could have done better, but I think we are moving in the right direction. We are taking each game as it comes and towards the end of the season we will know exactly where we stand,” he said.
He also noted that his team has made a stronger start to the second round of the season compared to the first.
“I think we had a better start in the second round than we did in the first round. After losing last Saturday against FC Leopards, it’s important for us to bounce back. We must forget about that result, put up a spirited fight and make sure we get the three points,” Mutapa said.
The Kawale Boys will face a Nkwazi side that has struggled for form, going winless in their last five matches with three defeats and two draws. However, Mutapa insists his players will not take the visitors lightly.
“This is not a team that will underrate the opponent. The most important thing is to create chances and make sure we bury them to collect maximum points. One bad game does not make you a bad team. It was not even a bad game, just a bad result,” he explained.
Mutapa also revealed that defender Bornface Sunzu has returned to training and could feature as he works his way back to full fitness.
“Sunzu had his first training session yesterday. We will see if he can play a part because he has not been training for some time. But we are happy to have him back and maybe give him some minutes to build his fitness for the upcoming games,” he said.
The Eagles coach also called on supporters to turn up in large numbers and rally behind the team.
“Our fans have been there for us and they should continue coming in numbers. The team has done well in the last few games and hopefully tomorrow they will come and give the boys the morale they deserve,” he said.
Green Eagles currently sit seventh on the MTN Super League table with 32 points, while Nkwazi are 16th with 19 points from 22 matches as they continue their fight against relegation.
