Napsa Stars Football Club head coach Perry Mutapa is of the view that the official Man of the Match award winner should have come from his team after beating Zanaco Football Club 1-nil on Sunday.
Despite losing the match at Edwin Imboela Stadium in a Week 28 Super League encounter, Zanaco defender Isaac Shamujompa was named Man-of-the-Match.
The towering defender impressed, particularly from set pieces, hitting the post twice.
However, speaking in an interview, Mutapa heaped praise on his team’s impressive defense.
He said they neutralized the attacking threats from Zanaco’s wingers.
The gaffer believes defender Fredrick Mwimanzi deserved to be awarded the Man of the Match ahead of the Shamujompa.
“We had to close the wing play of Zanaco,” Mutapa said, “I think Fletcher [Fredrick Mwimanzi] is one of the contenders for the man of the match.”
“I believe the Man of the match should have come from our team. Ofcourse, Shamujompa hit the post twice or three times…. I think one of [NAPSA] players deserved to have that [award],” he stated.
Mutapa added that Mwimanzi was exceptional in thwarting any threats from Zanaco wingers and deserved to be named the man of the match.
“I think Fletcher did a very good job because we kept their wingers at bay, they didn’t play,” he said.
Mwimanzi, who is on loan from Green Buffaloes, has been in excellent form for Mutapa’s side this season, scoring four goals so far.
Mutapa warns his players of complacency
Meanwhile, Napsa moved into fifth position with 42 points following their victory over Zanaco courtesy of an Adams Zikiru lone strike.
The Pensioners are currently the only team in the Super League on a 3-match winning streak. This has prompted Mutapa to warn his players of complacency in the remaining six league matches.
“I think if we keep our feet down, we are going to do well. We have done three now, if we can go four games, it means we are going to do well.”
“I think we are going to push them not to relax…. We shouldn’t be excited that everything is done,” stated Mutapa.
