By Angela Bambala Bwalya
MTN Super League log leaders Power Dynamos FC are set to host relegation-threatened FC Leopards at Arthur Davies Stadium on Thursday at 15:00hrs, aiming to strengthen their grip on top spot.
Head coach Osward Mutapa says his side is approaching the fixture with full seriousness, especially after Leopards held second-placed Red Arrows FC to a draw in their previous outing.
“Just like always, even when we’ve had many games in a week, we try to get at least two sessions to prepare. Yes, we’ve prepared, but what is important is the application on the field of play,” Mutapa said, stressing the need for execution.
Mutapa expects a motivated opponent despite Leopards’ difficult season.
“It’s been a long time since we drew against them, but they are coming from a draw against Red Arrows, so I guess their morale is high and they will want to make things difficult here. But like I said, we are prepared and we want to maintain consistency in terms of performance and results.”
While pleased with his team’s progress, the coach believes there is still room for improvement — particularly in chance creation.
“Looking at where we are coming from, there has been a lot of improvement. But if you look at the creation of chances, we can score even more than the goals we are scoring, so there is still room to improve.”
Power will be without midfielder Innocent Kashita and defender Samuel Bamidele, who remain sidelined through injury.
“Notable absentees are Innocent Kashita and Samuel Bamidele, who are still out injured, so we will deal with the human resource we have,” Mutapa added.
Power Dynamos head into the match in formidable form, sitting top of the table with 51 points, unbeaten in nine matches and riding a four-game winning streak.
FC Leopards, meanwhile, remain deep in the relegation zone with 20 points from 25 matches, having managed just two wins in their last 15 games.
Head-to-head statistics also favour the hosts, with Power recording four wins compared to Leopards’ one, while four matches have ended in draws across their previous nine meetings.
