Green Eagles head coach Perry Mutapa has urged his players to remain focused as they prepare to defend their position at the summit of MTN Super League Stream B when they host Kabwe Warriors in a Week 5 fixture at Choma Stadium.
Green Eagles head into the encounter with 10 points from four matches, having recorded three victories and a draw against Nkwazi in their previous outing. Despite their encouraging start to the transitional season, Mutapa believes there is still work to be done and has warned his players against becoming complacent.
Speaking ahead of the match, Mutapa expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparations, pointing to the advantage of playing at home without the demands of travelling.
“I think the preparations have gone well, especially that we are home. There is no travelling, so the preparations have been fantastic,” he said.
Mutapa also highlighted the team’s defensive improvement, crediting goalkeeper Mangani Banda for his contribution to the clean-sheet record. The coach believes the shot-stopper has continued the good work he displayed during his time at Kabwe Warriors.
“I think the most important thing this season is the clean sheets, and I can say we have brought in a good goalkeeper in Mangani. The past two seasons he has done very well, so he has continued where he left off from Kabwe Warriors. The clean sheets are a very big morale booster for the team,” Mutapa explained.
While pleased with the defensive organisation, the Green Eagles coach revealed that the technical bench has placed particular emphasis on attacking play and finishing during preparations for the Kabwe Warriors encounter.
“All we need this time around, in the build-up to the preparations, is that we concentrated much on the attack and finishing,” he said.
Despite leading Stream B with 10 points, Mutapa was quick to remind his players that the campaign is still in its early stages. He pointed to the challenge from other teams, including ZESCO United, who are also on 10 points, and stressed the importance of maintaining concentration.
“Of course, it’s early days. You can see teams like ZESCO are coming up, so it’s just 10 points. We are telling the boys not to relax; we just have to focus, and hopefully in tomorrow’s game we are going to come out victors after the 90 minutes,” he added.
On team news, Mutapa confirmed that Simon Mulenga is the only injury concern, with the rest of the squad available for selection.
“Simon Mulenga, who is injured, apart from him, I think everyone is ready to play,” he confirmed.
The coach also acknowledged the support received from the club’s sponsors and called on Green Eagles supporters to turn out in numbers at Choma Stadium and provide the team with the backing needed.
“Of course, the sponsors have been there for us, and we want to make them proud by maintaining our form. The supporters should just come in numbers and obviously give us the 12th player,” Mutapa said.
Green Eagles will now look to turn their positive start into another important result against Kabwe Warriors as they seek to maintain their position at the top of Stream B.
