Green Eagles right-back Headson Paina has described his first season in the MTN Super League as a confidence and maturity booster.
Paina transferred from Makeni All Stars to Green Eagles on a two-year deal at the start of last season. The full-back is known for his pace, defensive ability, and composure in possession.
Immediately after joining the club, he convinced the technical bench and found his place in the squad under the tutelage of Perry Mutapa.
His rise and consistency at Green Eagles caught the eye of national team selectors as he made the final list for the Zambia national team at the Mukura 4-Nations tournament in Botswana. He played the two matches, though Zambia lost the final to Zimbabwe.
Reflecting on his first season in top-flight football, Paina admitted the transition was initially challenging but said he gradually settled into life at the club.
“It has been a wonderful season and a wonderful privilege for me as a young player to play my first professional football here at Green Eagles, and I was playing my professional football for the first time in the first season, and I got a chance of being called to the national team; it was nice.”
The defender said he joined Green Eagles determined to prove himself and believes the opportunity has helped shape his development.
“When I first joined Green Eagles, I knew at first when I was coming that this was my time; I’m just going to Green Eagles to do my best, and I did my best, well, I’m good,” he said.
“Senior players helped me grow in so many ways, like encouraging me, pushing me, and teaching me how to do things; it has really been nice playing with them. They are the players who we young players need to play with so that we get to know more and do more; otherwise, they are very encouraging.”
Paina said he had adapted well to the coach Perry Mutapa’s tactical philosophy.
“As for me personally, I think I’ve worked very nicely with Coach Perry this past season, adapting the tactics; I think I’m one person who is quick to adapt to any tactic or any philosophy.”
Paina recalls that the team’s failure to secure ABSA Cup qualification was disappointing, particularly the narrow home defeat to Mines United that dashed their hopes.
Despite the disappointment, Paina described making his Zambia Super League debut as the defining moment of his season.
He mentioned scoring his first top-flight goal against Red Arrows at Nkoloma Stadium as a special personal achievement, but the defeat took the shine off the moment.
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