By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Green Eagles coach Perry Mutapa has urged his players to maintain their focus and guard against complacency as the MTN Super League Group B leaders prepare to host Kabwe Warriors in Saturday’s Week Six encounter.
Eagles head into the 15:00 kick-off at Eagles Ground in Choma sitting top of the standings with 10 points from four matches, having recorded three wins and a draw.
Kabwe Warriors, meanwhile, occupy sixth position with four points from three outings and will be looking to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat to Green Buffaloes.
The hosts are also coming off a goalless draw against Nkwazi, a result that maintained their unbeaten start to the transitional season.
Mutapa is pleased with his team’s preparations, particularly the advantage of playing at home without the demands of travelling.
“I think the preparations have gone well, especially that we are home. There’s no travelling, so the preparations have been fantastic,” he said.
The Green Eagles coach believes defensive solidity has been one of the major strengths behind his side’s impressive start, highlighting goalkeeper Mangani’s contribution between the posts.
“I think the most important thing this season is the clean sheets, and I can say we have brought in a good goalkeeper in Mangani. I think the past two seasons he has done very well, so he has continued where he left off from Kabwe Warriors. The clean sheets are a very big morale booster for the team.”
With the defensive department providing a solid foundation, Mutapa says attention has shifted towards improving the team’s attacking output and finishing.
“All we need this time around, in the build-up to the preparations, is that we concentrated much on the attack and finishing,” he added.
Despite leading the standings, Mutapa is conscious that the campaign remains in its early stages, with several sides, including ZESCO United, expected to mount stronger challenges as the season progresses.
“Of course, it’s early days. You can see teams like ZESCO are coming up, so it’s just 10 points. We are telling the boys not to relax. We just have to focus, and hopefully in tomorrow’s game, we are going to come out victors after the 90 minutes.”
Saturday’s fixture will also provide an opportunity for Mangani to face his former club following his move from Kabwe Warriors to Green Eagles.
The goalkeeper has gone three consecutive matches without conceding since the opening-day setback, a run Mutapa believes reflects both the team’s collective defensive effort and the shot-stopper’s growing influence.
“I think he’s getting better and better from the first game of the season when he conceded. Now, three games he hasn’t conceded a goal.
“Yes, it’s teamwork, but obviously the experience is showing. So for us, yes, former team, but he’s now a Green Eagles player, so he has to do well. He has to continue with the form which he has shown.”
Green Eagles will, however, be without injured Simon Mulenga, with Mutapa confirming that the rest of the squad is available for selection.
The coach has also called on the club’s supporters to turn out in numbers and provide their backing, while pledging to reward their commitment and that of the sponsors with continued strong performances.
“The sponsors have been there for us, and we want to do them proud by maintaining our form. And the supporters, they should just come in numbers and obviously give us the 12th player.”
The head-to-head record suggests a potentially tight contest, with Green Eagles holding a narrow advantage after registering three victories against Kabwe Warriors’ two in their last 10 meetings. The other five encounters have ended in draws.
With Eagles keen to consolidate their position at the summit and Warriors seeking a response to last weekend’s defeat, Saturday’s encounter promises a competitive battle in Choma.
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 hours at Eagles Ground.
