NAPSA Stars head coach Sipho Mumbi says his side has a plan heading into this afternoon’s rescheduled MTN Super League encounter against ZESCO United.
Mumbi and his side are coming from a disappointing 3-2 loss to FC MUZA but he says every game is different and his side is aiming for maximum points since they are at home.
He is aware of the big challenge ahead of his side and knows that his side will be an underdog against a ZESCO United side that has a lot of experienced players.
“Yeah, a very crucial encounter and I would also like to congratulate ZESCO and Power Dynamos for qualifying to the group stages. I think it’s good for Zambian football. Going forward, I feel and think this will give us a big plus when they continue succeeding in Zambia as a whole. But coming to Zesco vs Napsa, I think it’s a good challenge, a big challenge for us. We are going to be underdogs in this game, but of course we’ve got our own plan as well. Every game is different,” he said.
“Not at all. I think this is something that we’ve been psyching the players with. We’re coming from a very bad loss in Mazabuka, a game we could have won. But unfortunately, you know, sometimes when you’re recovering from such a loss, it takes time. But we’ve been trying by all means to talk to the boys, you know, psyching them so that, you know, they get ready for the game. It won’t be an easy game. ZESCO is a team that has experienced players. But we just have to hold our own and try to play to make sure that we collect maximum points. We are playing at home,” he added.
The Pensioners are still without winger Kenneth Kasanga and defender Teddy Khumalo who also missed the loss to FC MUZA due to injuries.
NAPSA Stars have only managed one win this season but Sipho Mumbi has asked the fans to remain patient.
“The only injury concerns that I have is just like last week, I had Kenneth Kasanga and Teddy Khumalo. These are the only major injury concerns, but I think the replacements are readily available,” he said.
“Yeah, we’ve been taking a day at a time. You know, it hasn’t been easy. And we haven’t gotten so many days to recover from the last time we played the game on Saturday up to date. Because Sunday we didn’t train. We thought it was good for them so that, you know, they recover properly with their families at home. But I think morale is building up.”
“Yeah, always. They should just be, you know, I don’t say they should be patient, but they should continue supporting the team. Football has about three results. Sometimes our wish is not God’s wish, but we always strive to push and win every game,” he added.
ZESCO United has won 17 of the last 25 meetings between the two sides with NAPSA Stars only managing three while the other five have ended in draws.
Kick off at Reiz Arena is set for 15h00 with tickets going at K30,K50 and K100 and sold at ShopRite stores countrywide via Computicketing.
