Napsa Stars head coach Muhammed Fathi was full of praise for his team following a narrow 1-0 win over Green Buffaloes in a Lusaka derby.
Former Southampton striker and 2012 AFCON Golden boot winner Emmanuel Mayuka scored the only goal of the game to guide the Pensioners to their first win of the season in the league.
Fathi was happy with the win but lamented missed chances by his team. The Egyptian born gaffer believes the win is a step in the right direction for his team.
“It was a good game but we missed a lot of chances. Our defense is balanced now and we know the league very well and this is one step forward,” said Fathi.
Asked On Emmanuel Muyaka’s found form, the coach highlighted that their relationship dates back as far as 2008 and he is like a son and brother.
“I have been with him since 2008 when he started at Kabwe Warriors and he left after eight months and I have believed in him and despite the doors closing for him, I have believed in him,” Fathi told the ZamFoot Crew.
The win sees Napsa Stars move to 16th place while Green Buffaloes continue their steady decline as they find themselves just three points above the relegation zone.
Napsa’s next game is away in Kitwe against Powerful Power Dynamos who also equally beaten Nkwazi FC 3-1 at Imboela Stadium ending a 9 year winless run against the Police sponsored side in Lusaka
Hooray for Mayuka regaining his goal-scoring form from many years ago! I am so happy to hear of the faith that Coach Fathi has had in Yuka since way back in 2008. This is really a very positive story at the end of a super challenging year. I think they might be just the partnership that will carry the Napsa Stars forward in the Confederations Cup competition and give us all something to smile about. My hat is off to both Coach Fathi and Mayuka, who has been one of my favorite footballers since 2012.