“Early Support Could Have Changed Our Season” – Tembo
head coach Masauso Tembo has suggested that earlier institutional backing could have significantly altered his side’s fortunes this season, following a hard-fought goalless draw against Red Arrows Football Club.
The MTN Super League Week 26 fixture, played at Nkoloma Stadium, ended 0-0, with Nkwazi showing defensive discipline and improved organisation away from home.
Tembo described the result as a step forward, particularly considering his team’s recent struggles with conceding early goals.
“A draw was a positive result for us playing away to Red Arrows. Looking at where the team is coming from, we have been allowing early goals. I told my players to sit behind the ball first half 0-0, the boys sat well,” he explained.
The Nkwazi boss also pointed to missed attacking opportunities that could have turned the result into a vital away victory.
“We created chances, I think one or two we would have gotten a goal. I am happy with how the players maintained their shape.”
The result marks Nkwazi’s second consecutive draw, a modest but potentially significant improvement as they continue their fight to avoid relegation. Tembo remains cautiously optimistic about his side’s survival chances.
“Two draws back to back we still have a big chance to fight relegation. Next game we have to collect maximum points, then we see what happens.”
However, beyond the performance on the pitch, Tembo raised concerns about the timing of support from the club’s leadership structure, suggesting it arrived later than ideal.
“The statement from the command has come at the right time. Even in Europe, teams that are down have come back stronger. At the moment, the executive and the command have come with full force with their support.”
He added a candid reflection on what might have been:
“I am surprised now that they are waking up early. I think if they had started from the beginning with this support, things would be different. But the support is good they should just carry on and support the boys.”
The stalemate leaves both teams with work to do as the MTN Super League enters its decisive phase. For Nkwazi, the focus remains on turning improved performances into wins, particularly in upcoming home fixtures where maximum points are now essential.
While the scoreline at Nkoloma may not have delivered goals, it offered insight into a team gradually regaining structure and a coach determined to steer them clear of relegation despite a challenging campaign.
