Six draws, three defeats and zero win in the last nine games has every member of Zanaco technical bench sitting on the edge of their seats ahead of Saturday’s encounter against Napsa Stars.
Things are not looking good for multi-title winning coach Wedson Nyirenda and his boys; they have only managed one win this season. That win came against Indeni, a team anchoring all clubs on the log.
In an effort to save the team from a potential catastrophe, the club appointed Dabid Chilufya in an uncharacteristic role of consultant assistant coach, but that has not yield any result. They are winless in two matches played since his arrival.
They sit fourth from bottom with nine points. Luckily for them, the permutations still read in their favour in that a win against Napsa will move them out of the dangerzone provided MUZA or Nchanga Rangers drop points.
“We want a win” Napsa Stars Assistant Coach.
MUZA face Lumwana Radiants while Rangers will make a short trip to face Mufulira Wanderers at the ever electric Shinde Stadium.
Henry Banda, the assistant coach, gave his views ahead of the match.
“Everyone wants to fight at least we [need to] get maximum points,” Banda, who is also a former Zanaco midfielder said.
Banda said this will be a tough match. Well, that’s right because Zanaco has not beaten Napsa in the last two years. Their last win over the Pensioners was on November 5, 2022.
“It is a tricky game, playing against Napsa, but we just have to come out fighting from the first whistle to the last whistle. It will not be easy, we just have to fight,” Banda said.
Despite their dominance over Zanaco, Napsa Stars have been modest in their comment over the match.
“Tough game,” Napsa assistant coach Lawrence Lubinda, a former Zanaco striker said, “It is a tricky game but preparations have gone well and we are looking forward to the game.”
Napsa have 13 points, four above the relegation zone and as many from the top four.
“We demand a lot from the boys, we want a win and a bit of consistency and hard work from everyone. If you look at the league table, it is a bit open at the moment so if we put in extra work you find yourself in the top three, top four, somewhere there,” Lubinda said.
