Former Chipolopolo Boys head coach Wedson Nyirenda has said the goal-scoring rate in the MTN Super League is still below expectations.
In an interview with BolaNews, Nyirenda called for specialized training to help improve scoring among the strikers.
“I am not impressed yet. I think we are still very far from getting the targets that we need in order to tell ourselves that we are doing well. The scoring rate has gone down, and it has not improved in any way,” Nyirenda said.
Nyirenda, a former striker himself, noted that the low goal return among leading scorers reflects the challenges strikers are facing in open play.
“In one season a striker scored 14 goals and was among the top scorers, but when you check, six of those goals were penalties. That means only eight were scored in the run of play,” he said.
“I always say I would rather have a finisher than a striker. We need to evolve and have striker coaches in our clubs—coaches who can instil individual tactics in attacking and finishing,” he said.
Zambian clubs must hire video analysts – Nyirenda
Nyirenda, who has previously coached in Mozambique and South Africa, suggested that teams should also employ video analysts to improve the players’ positioning, movement, decision-making, and finishing in the penalty area.
“I have watched many matches this season and, to be frank, the finishing problem is still very far from being corrected,” Nyirenda said.
Nyirenda added, “What is even surprising is strikers not knowing a scoring position when they are in the final third; the technique-on-demand and predictability mean there is a lack of the element of surprise and aggression.”\
He further attributed the problem to the style of play adopted by many teams, particularly excessive horizontal passing.
“Many teams are circulating the ball horizontally like it has become a fashion. When the ball reaches the middle third it often ends in a turnover or goes back. There isn’t much action in the final third and most goalkeepers are literally on holidays,” he said.
As of Week 25 of the Super League season, Moses Shumah of Power Dynamos FC leads the scoring charts with 14 goals.
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