Green Eagles head coach Perry Mutapa has challenged his players to become more clinical in front of goal as the Stream B leaders prepare to face Chirundu United in a Week Seven MTN Super League Transitional Season encounter on Thursday.
The Kawale-based outfit head into the fixture following a goalless draw against Kabwe Warriors, extending their unbeaten run to five matches.
Green Eagles have collected 11 points from three wins and two draws to sit at the summit of Stream B. They will now be targeting another positive result to maintain their unbeaten start and strengthen their position at the top of the standings.
However, Mutapa believes his side must improve its finishing after missing several scoring opportunities in the previous encounter.
The Green Eagles coach acknowledged that the short turnaround between fixtures had limited the time available for preparations, but said the technical bench had used the available sessions to address the team’s shortcomings, particularly in front of goal.
“I think there hasn’t been a lot of time to prepare, but with the little time we have, we have done what we can. In the last game, we missed a lot of chances, so we just worked on finishing,” Mutapa said.
Despite Green Eagles recording back-to-back draws, Mutapa insists his attention remains on improving performances rather than dwelling on the points dropped.
He explained that the team struggled to create clear opportunities against Nkwazi but believes the performance against Kabwe Warriors offered enough scoring chances to produce a much bigger result.
“I’m not going to talk about the Nkwazi game because we didn’t create a lot of chances. But in the past game, we could have scored more, even more than four.
“We just have to put the ball in the back of the net and concentrate because we have been doing well, especially with the back line. I think we haven’t conceded a lot of goals, so we are just going to continue and hopefully, in tomorrow’s encounter, we are going to put the ball in the back of the net,” he added.
With Green Buffaloes also featuring in the conversation around the top positions, Mutapa was quick to dismiss any distractions from the competition, insisting that Green Eagles must concentrate on their own objectives.
“We are just focusing on ourselves. Buffaloes, they have got their own agenda and if they are at 11, it’s okay. But for us, I think more especially coming from the back-to-back draws, we need to do well in this encounter,” he said.
The tactician also emphasised the importance of collective responsibility, pointing out that Green Eagles’ goals have been shared among different players rather than depending on one individual.
“For us, we play as a team. If you have seen even the goalscorers, we have shared. Anyone who is eligible to be in the 28-man squad is a key player for us. So we just look forward to getting maximum points and then we pick it from there,” he said.
Chirundu United, however, will provide a stern test after holding 2026 ABSA Cup champions Red Arrows to a goalless draw in their previous fixture.
The Chirundu-based side have recorded two wins, two draws and one defeat from five matches, collecting eight points to occupy fourth position in Stream B. They will be hoping to use home advantage to end Green Eagles’ unbeaten run and close the gap on the teams above them.
With no previous head-to-head meetings between the two sides on record, the encounter presents a fresh challenge for both teams as the transitional season progresses.
On the injury front, Mutapa confirmed that Simon remains unavailable for selection as he continues his recovery. Although the player has resumed light training, he is yet to regain the match fitness required for competitive action.
“For now, from the last game, Simon. So going into this game, yes, he has started some light training, so he wasn’t eligible to be picked for this match because of match fitness. But otherwise, the team is free from injury,” he confirmed.
Mutapa also acknowledged the importance of supporters in motivating his players, recalling the encouragement they received during their previous home fixture despite being held to a draw.
He urged the Green Eagles faithful to turn out in numbers and rally behind the team, while expressing appreciation to the club’s sponsors for their continued support.
“Even in the last encounter, a draw at home, you could see how the supporters gave the boys morale. So let’s come in numbers and give the boys morale,” Mutapa urged.
With Green Eagles targeting maximum points to consolidate their position at the summit and Chirundu United seeking another positive result, the encounter presents an important test for both sides.
For Mutapa, the priority is clear: convert scoring opportunities into goals and maintain Green Eagles’ unbeaten start to the campaign.
