Nkana assistant coach Josphat Nkhoma says the players fully understand the weight of the Nkana badge and the club’s massive following after the team finally secured their first win of the 2025/26 season.

The record Zambian champions edged Napsa Stars 1-0 at Nkana Stadium on Sunday to move to nine points, though they remain second from bottom on the MTN Super League table.

The victory eased pressure on the technical bench and brought relief to the Nkana faithful, who have endured a difficult campaign marked by poor form and relegation fears.

“It was a tough game. It wasn’t an easy game and then I give credit to the technical bench. I’ve given credit to the team because they fought from the beginning up to the end. They really wanted this win. So we are happy for that today,” he said.

Asked what made the difference after 13 rounds without victory, Nkhoma said the staff worked hard to mentally lift the squad.

“It’s all about psyching these players once you are going through a bad patch. We’ve managed to psych the players,” he responded.

“We told them the importance of this team and the badge that they are wearing. We know the supporters are not happy. People are not happy. They are expecting wins. So it’s been our duty to talk to these players and to motivate them.”

Nkana can still do it – Nkoma

He added that the coaching staff has reminded players of past comebacks.

“We can still do it. Last year we were down, we started winning games and we can still do it. So it’s just a matter of motivating these players every time and knowing the importance of this team and the importance of what the supporters are expecting this year.”

Nkana coach Nkhoma believes Sunday’s win marks a turning point for the team and could help them overcome a difficult patch. He said winning three consecutive matches would ensure safety from relegation.

Nkhoma thanked supporters for their patience and stressed the need to stay focused ahead of the next crucial match against Nchanga Rangers.

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