Nkwazi recorded their first win of the season just before the international break and will be looking to build on that on Friday afternoon when they visit Reiz Arena to take on NAPSA Stars in a week 12 MTN Super League encounter.
The hosts have not been convincing this season winning only two games, drawing five and losing four. The Pensioners are coming off a shock 2-0 loss away at FC Leopards.
Off the field, Nkwazi are facing some serious issues with their head coach Masauso Tembo linked with a move to Kansanshi Dynamos, whether it will materialize or not now that Mohamed Fathi is now in the picture, is anyone’s guess.
However assistant coach Keegan Phiri says the boys are confident of picking maximum points against inconsistent NAPSA Stars.
“No, we’ve prepared very well. Of course, we are coming from picking the first three points. We want to build upon that and the boys are very confident that we are going to get the three points. No, not really. We won, but we know our position is not where we really want it to be. So, we are working very hard. The break, we used it obviously to sharpen a few areas. Even the game that we won against Mines United, I don’t think we played at our maximum. We want to improve. We know we haven’t started well, but for us as a team, we always know that the sky is the limit,” Phiri said.
“Yeah, we know, of course, NAPSA is a very good team, a ball-playing team. We know that it won’t be easy. We have to put in our best, knowing that we’re going to win. We just have to do the right things. I think this game will be decided on very fine margins,” he added.
Meanwhile Lameck Manda who scored in the win over Mines United believes the Zambia Police sponsored outfit is 100 percent ready for NAPSA Stars.
“Coming from a win, we are 100% ready for the game against NAPSA. The morale in the team is very high. Everyone is ready. The coaches have done their part. We are good. Coming from a win and coming from a game that I scored, I think for me as a player and as a striker, it gives me the best courage and the best motive to score a game against NAPSA. The morale in camp is very high,” he said.
“ I think the senior players that we have are encouraging us to work hard. and the young ones are ready to compete and play for the team. For me this season as a striker is to finish top scorer for the team and for the league. I want to help my team to finish in the top five.”
