Green Eagles head coach Perry Mutapa says his side is eyeing maximum points at Shinde Stadium when they face off Mufulira Wanderers in a week 14 MTN Super League encounter.
The Kawale Boys have drawn their last four games and despite failing to win in those four fixtures they are unbeaten in their last nine games.
Mutapa says his side wants to get maximum points. He believes they have been very creative in the final third and just need to bury their chances.
“It’s a game where both teams drew our games last weekend. Mufulira Wanderers drew with Mutondo, We also got a point against Buffaloes. So going into the next fixture, it’s a game where both teams want to win. So the tactics obviously at training, we usually counter what the opponent offers. So we are going to try and make sure we win this game more, especially since we have drawn our last four games,” he said.
“For me I think the most important thing is just to be more responsible, especially since we created a lot of chances. In the last game against Buffaloes we created a lot of chances so it’s just to be responsible and if we create chances we just have to put the ball in the back of the net.”
“For me, that’s a good sign. We would have loved to pick up maximum points in most of the games. But if you ask me, we haven’t done bad. But in terms of picking up maximum points, it’s not good. But this is work in progress. We have only lost twice. And we just have to make sure we embrace that spirit of winning. Drawing games is not good, but we haven’t lost many games. So far, with only four games to go, we have only lost two. So it means we can do better. And the break is going to help us to work on the things which we haven’t done very well. And also… Obviously, as you know, I came to Green Eagles when the season was about to start. Yes, it was in pre-season, but in terms of acquisition of players, I think we didn’t have any choice to maybe patch where we feel now like we need to bring in some players,” he added.
Mutapa is impressed with his defense which he believes is compact as they have only conceded more than one goal in a game once this season, their 2-2 draw with FC Leopards.
One of the players in the back four is former ZESCO United winger Spencer Sautu , the Prince of Choma, who has been impressive in his new wingback position and offers a lot going forward with experience according to Mutapa.
“Spencer Sautu has done very well. I think he adds a lot going forward. He’s an experienced player. So from the start of the season, I think he has only missed one game. He has done very well because in terms of conceding, we are a team which doesn’t concede a lot. So I think having him on the wing back adds a lot going forward,” he said.
“Not really, because in the last game, I think we conceded in the first half, so for me, football, you are bound to concede and against Buffaloes, I believe even if we are going to concede two goals, we could have won maybe by five goals to two, so it happens in football. You can concede, but the most important thing at the end of the match, you have to win.”
At the start of the season one of the targets for the Kawale Boys was qualification for the ABSA Cup and Mutapa is confident his side will make it with four games left until the halfway mark of the MTN Super League season which is the determining factor.
Eagles are currently 7th on the log ( the last slot in qualification for ABSA Cup) with 19 points after 13 points tied with Mufulira Wanderers while Konkola Blades and Green Buffaloes are hot on their heels with 17 points each.
“We are still in it, so we can only say that at the end of the 17 games, which makes the teams qualify to the ABSA Cup. As it is, we are still in it and we will keep on pushing until the last game because we are seventh and I think that’s the last slot for teams to qualify for the ABSA Cup. So we just have to maintain and hopefully we do better in the last four games before the 17th fixture comes,” he said.
The former Power Dynamos and Forest Rangers gaffer wants to give the fans and sponsors the win as a present for Christmas and the New year.
“They have been there for us and our last game going to the break, I think we should give them a Christmas and New Year present. Just the same like our faith supporters. I think going into this last game of the year, I think a win will be a Christmas and New Year present,” he said.
Mufulira Wanderers have been poor at home this season and have only managed one win, 2-0 against Konkola Blades in week 12.
Kick off at Shinde Stadium is set for 15h00 Central African Time with charges ranging from K20 open win to K200 VVIP.
