NAPSA Stars are eying a first away win this season when they visit Mazabuka’s Nakambala Stadium to face FC MUZA on Saturday.
The Pensioners have one win so far this season, 1-0 at home against Mines United and are eager to record their first away win this season.
However they face a team they have not beaten at Nakambala Stadium since it won promotion back in 2019.
Coach Sipho Mumbi believes there is always a first time but was quick to admit that Nakambala Stadium is not an easy venue to visit.
“A very crucial game, going away to FC MUZA, not a very easy venue. But, yeah, like always, it’s about preparation. Yeah, and, you know, going forward, I feel and think that the boys are psyched after the disappointing draw last week. So we are ready,” Mumbi said.
“Yeah, I think they are psyched. Like I said, it’s always the first time. And we are hoping, because we are not in a good position in the league, we are hoping that, you know, when we go out there, we need to have the mentality and the belief that we can pull up a win.”
NAPSA Stars will be without winger Kenneth Kasanga and defender Teddy Khumalo who are out nursing injuries.
“I’ve got two injury concerns, Kenneth Kasanga and Teddy Khumalo, who won’t be available for this game. But we’ve got enough ammunition to fit in the positions,” Mumbi told the ZamFoot Crew.
The Pensioners have contributed midfielder Gabriel Phiri to the Zambia U17 Men’s National team that is currently in camp preparing for the Junior FIFA World Cup.
Mumbi says the Young player needs support and has wished him well at the global showpiece as he will also be representing NAPSA Stars.
“I’m very happy for the young boy and going forward I feel and think we need to continue supporting these young boys because they are the future of Zambian football. I’m happy for him and I hope he does well not only for Zambia but for NAPSA as well because he’s representing us. So I’m wishing him the best of luck. We try by all means, we’ve been trying by all means to be careful with the young boys,” he said.
“ It’s not going to just happen right there and then because it might end up destroying them, destroying their careers. So it’s a process. People should understand that it’s a process. We’re not going to just throw them in the mud right now. Their time will come. Most of them, I think last season, I think if you saw, most of them had two games, three games here and there but they had minutes. What is important is they are here and you know they are part of the senior set-up.”
Mumbi has called on the fans to continue supporting the team despite the frustrating results they have posted in their recent games.
“Yeah, like always, we urge them to continue supporting. I know they are quite frustrated because of the results, but they should look at the team and we need their support,” he said.
NAPSA Stars will square off with FC MUZA on Saturday afternoon at Nakambala Stadium with kick off set at 15h00 and live on Topstar.
