Nkana Football Club head coach Ian Bakala stated that the return of fans to the stadium increased the pressure on his newly signed players.
Kalampa and Forest Rangers drew 1-1 in Week 22 at Nkana Stadium, which welcomed fans back for the first time this season.
The record league winners were given a ban that prevented fans from entering the stadium in the first round and were forced to play their home games at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.
Bakala stated that the players will need to quickly adjust to playing in a fully packed stadium. He said this is because Nkana is one of the most popular teams in the nation.
“It’s pressure on the players; it’s their first time playing at home after a long time,” Bakala said. “But they have seen what the supporters want, which I think they just have to adapt. Some of the guys are coming from teams where there are supporters, but not like here.”
Bakala, who was happy with the draw against his former club, is now targeting a win against Trident next weekend.
“We have to plan well and be focused to win the game away,” he concluded.
Nkana remains in the drop zone, sitting in 16th place with 23 points from 22 matches.
They will take on 18th-placed Trident, who recorded their first Super League win on Sunday. The Kalumbila side defeated Mutondo Stars 1-0 in Ndola.
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