Nkana coach Mwenya Chipepo has delivered a candid assessment of modern footballers, noting that many players today struggle with mental resilience and do not respond well to criticism.

On Saturday, Chipepo’s side played to a 1-1 draw against Power Dynamos in the highly anticipated Kitwe Derby.

Speaking after the match, Chipepo acknowledged that Nkana was careless in conceding a goal shortly after taking the lead.

Lazarus Kambole had put Nkana ahead in the 68th minute, but a lapse in concentration allowed Chifundo Mphasi to equalize with a near-post effort for Power Dynamos.

“We were careless. If you look at the goal they scored, it came from a moment of carelessness,” Chipepo said, before clarifying his remarks.

“I don’t want to tell my players that they were careless. I thank them for the effort they put in. The players of today are fragile. If you tell them they’ve made a mistake, it affects them,” he added.

Chipepo expressed optimism about the team’s future, noting that with time, Nkana will begin to deliver consistent positive results.

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