Power Dynamos coach Osward Mutapa says every match will be crucial as his side targets a successful defence of the league title, starting with Saturday’s encounter against Mutondo Stars.

After a brief recess, the Super League returns with Power playing home away from home when they take on Mutondo at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.

Mutapa said opening the new year with a victory would set the right tone for the champions, adding that games against teams lower on the table are ones his side must win.

Power are third with 26 points, five behind leaders Red Arrows.

“Every game will be important in our pursuit of retaining the league title, so starting the year with a win puts us in a good position. Looking at where we are on the table, these are games we should be winning,” Mutapa said.

The Power coach revealed that he has a fully fit squad to choose from, although he admitted that squad rotation will be key due to the congested fixture schedule.

“We have a full squad. Some players have played a lot of games, so we will look at how we rotate and strike the right balance, especially with many matches coming up,” he said.

Mutapa reminded his players that consistency was the cornerstone of last season’s title-winning campaign and stressed that the same approach will be required if the team is to defend the championship.

“The players need to understand that we are a much better side now than when we won the league. The key to our success was consistency, especially in the second half of the season when we went on a long run without losing a game. If we are to retain the league, we must show that consistency again,” he said.

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