Power Dynamos head coach Oswald Mutapa has urged his players to maintain discipline as they target maximum points against Nkana FC in this weekend’s Kitwe Derby.
The two Kitwe rivals meet at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, with both sides looking to bounce back from defeats in from previous league matches.
Power Dynamos suffered a 1-0 loss to FC MUZA, Nkana went down 2-1 to Konkola Blades.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Mutapa said discipline, respect, and composure would be crucial in a fixture where emotions often run high.
“It’s a game, like I said, where you don’t need to use emotions. Yes, a lot of things come into play. Experience comes into play. Big-stage players come into play. And the unknown also comes into play,” Mutapa said.
He stressed that his team had been preparing to approach the match with the right mindset, particularly by respecting their opponents and the officials.
“We don’t have to play with emotions, and from day one we have been talking about respect, respecting our opponents, but also respecting the people at the center of the game,” he said.
“We”ll go for it” – Elijah Tana.
Nkana coach Elijah Tana, meanwhile, said his side understood the challenge of facing their rivals and had prepared adequately for the contest.
Tana acknowledged that beating Power Dynamos would require careful planning but expressed confidence in his team’s approach.
“To get three points from Power, you must plan well. This encounter between Nkana and Power—how can you put the pressure on players? No, pressure falls on us. So for me, I’ve planned for it. I’ve planned for it adequately. So, we’ll go for it,” Tana said.
The Nkana coach also highlighted the mental preparation of his young squad, saying he had reminded the players of the intensity and demands of the derby following their recent defeat.
He said the players were energetic but needed to remain mentally strong and avoid becoming complacent.
The Kitwe Derby is one of Zambia’s biggest football rivalries, with both teams seeking bragging rights.
The last derby ended in a 1-0 defeat for Nkana Football Club, with Moses Shumah scoring the solo goal for Power Dynamos.
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