After back-to-back losses that have left the team on edge, Kabwe Warriors FC will try to recover on Saturday when they play FC MUZA in the Zambian Super League.
Warriors, first suffered a 2-1 loss on the road to Power Dynamos last weekend, then a 2-0 home defeat to Red Arrows in a rescheduled midweek clash.
Coach Numba Mumamba is demanding for a strong response from his squad.
“Players are looking set for the challenge ahead of us. This is the game that we are taking very seriously looking at where we are coming from, where we have lost two games in a row, which is not good for a team like us. We are a big team; we have to respond quickly and redeem ourselves as we play FC MUZA tomorrow.”
“No way, we can be dropping points” – Numba.
Historically, Kabwe Warriors have had an edge over MUZA, securing a win and a draw in last season’s league fixtures and an additional victory in the ABSA Cup meeting. However, Mumamba is cautious, warning against complacency.
“MUZA is not a team to underrate; they are a very good team. I think it is a team that, when you underrate them, they can surprise you. So we just have to take them on like any other big team so that we can get a victory. Because for us, this is a must-win game.”
The stakes are high for Kabwe Warriors, who have set their sights on competing for the league title and securing ABSA Cup qualification. Mumamba highlighted the importance of capitalizing on home advantage.
“There is no way we can be dropping points, especially at home, because if we are to challenge for the title or play in the ABSA, we need to be collecting maximum points, especially at home.“
After nine matches, Kabwe Warriors sit in 6th place with 13 points, just one point ahead of 10th-placed FC Muza. The coach has called on his players to sharpen their performance in the final third, pointing out a recurring issue with finishing.
“Of course, our missing of scoring opportunities has been our greatest enemy since the league started. We just need to do the right thing in front of goal.”