Inaugural Zambian club football champions, Roan United head coach Keagan Syabene believes that his side’s victory over River Plate Football Club on Monday will motivate them in their quest to qualify for the National Division One League.
Roan United who won the Zambian League in 1962 when it was still called the Northern Rhodesia National Football League beat River Plate 2-1 at Nationalist Stadium.
They scored through Patrick Zyambo and Andrew Kashindi in the 65th and 77th minute respectively while Francis Mwenya’s 47th-minute goal was only a consolation for River Plate.
In an interview, Syabene acknowledged that it was not an easy match despite their opponents playing with a man less after Daniel Obo was red-carded in the 27th minute.
“It wasn’t an easy game, especially coming from behind, “Syabene stated. “I think it gives more motivation to the boys to fight through the tournament.. The victory today means a lot because the first game in the tournament is more important.”
Syabene said the numerical advantage did not matter in the match as River Plate put up a spirited fight to close down Roan United.
“When a team is down by a man, they put in an extra effort. After some time we went a goal down and it was a bit difficult to recover.
“We just had to tactically manage the game and pull through. What was important was to get the result,” Syabene said.
The coach says they will take every game in the playoffs as it comes.
“We will take it one game at a time. So one game is water under the bridge, we won’t talk about what is at the end. We will prepare for the next game tomorrow. The target is to qualify for the National Division One,” he said.
River plate not backing down
Meanwhile, River Plate head coach Nowell Phiri attributed his team’s defeat to the red card given to the center-back in the first half.
Phiri said the Southern Province champions are still in contention for a place in National Division One. He also hinted at the changes the technical bench will be making in the next match.
“The sendoff was very bad, we couldn’t concentrate,” Phiri said. “Playing one man down is always difficult but I thank the boys they put in their effort.”
“We are still in contention because we still have three games to play. We will make a few changes, the centre back we will have to introduce another and the goalkeeper.”
Roan United will face Mwaimena Strikers in a Group B match of the ongoing National League playoff at Nationalist Stadium at 10:00Hrs while River Plate will face National Assembly at 15:00Hrs at the same venue.
