Green Eagles head coach Perry Mutapa says his side is fully prepared for Saturday’s high-stakes Military Derby against Green Buffaloes, with confidence growing that they can finally end their long wait for a win in this fixture.
Eagles head into the clash in impressive form, sitting fourth on the MTN Super League table with 44 points. Back-to-back victories over ZANACO FC and Mutondo Stars have strengthened their position, while an unbeaten run of six matches (three wins, three draws) highlights their consistency at a crucial stage of the season. Mutapa believes these recent performances have provided the ideal preparation for a demanding derby contest.
“We’ve done very well in terms of preparations. The Mutondo, Konkola and ZANACO games were exactly what we needed going into this Military Derby,” Mutapa said, underlining the structured build-up to the fixture.
Despite the strong run, the Eagles boss acknowledged that inefficiency in front of goal remains a concern. He pointed out that failure to convert chances has prevented his side from winning games more convincingly throughout the campaign.
“If we had taken responsibility in terms of scoring, we would have been winning games 3-1, 4-2. It’s about being clinical and taking our chances,” he admitted, emphasizing the need for sharper execution in the final third.
Having already surpassed their initial survival target of 40–43 points, Mutapa confirmed that the team’s focus has now shifted toward securing a strong finish. With relegation no longer a threat, Eagles are targeting a top-four position and building momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
“Our target now is to do very well in the remaining games and finish in a reputable position,” he said, reflecting a shift from survival to ambition.
However, the Eagles will have to navigate the derby without key personnel. Defender Bornface Sunzu and attacker Kunda Nkandu remain sidelined through injury, while goalkeeper Geoffrey Silavwe is unavailable due to eligibility restrictions against his parent club. These absences could test squad depth in a fixture that often hinges on fine margins.
Mutapa also highlighted the importance of fan support, praising the turnout during their recent win and calling on supporters to replicate that energy.
“It was marvellous to see the supporters giving us that 12th player. If they come in numbers again, we will make sure we give them results,” he added.
On the other side, Green Buffaloes come into the derby under pressure, sitting 11th with 35 points. A run of just one win in their last 10 matches (six draws, three defeats) has stalled their progress, though they remain a difficult side to break down — a factor reflected in their recent goalless draw against FC MUZA.
Historically, this fixture has been tightly contested. The reverse meeting ended 1-1, and Eagles are winless in their last six encounters against Buffaloes, with the last three matches all finishing level. That record adds extra motivation for Mutapa’s side, who will be eager to break the cycle.
Saturday’s Military Derby therefore carries layered significance: for Green Eagles, it is an opportunity to solidify their top-four credentials and end a frustrating head-to-head run; for Green Buffaloes, it is a chance to revive form and reassert competitiveness in the league.
