Dennis Makinka, the assistant coach of the Forest Rangers Football Club, has laid out precise plans to improve the team’s dismal performance in the current MTN Super League season.
The Ndola side has slipped from sixth position to 16th on the log standing of the league due to the departure of Mwenya Chipepo, which has affected their performance.
Recently, the club re-appointed Ian Bakala as head coach, Dennis Makinka as first assistant coach, and Kennedy Kashobondo as physical trainer, aiming to enhance the team’s performance and structure.
Fole Malembe’s latest match ended in a 1-0 defeat to Mufulira Wanderers at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
With two wins, 7 draws, and 6 defeats, Makinka, is leading the team in Bakala’s absence.
In an interview, Makinka emphasized that the team’s mindset is the primary issue affecting performance, highlighting the importance of psychological preparation for the players.
“We will survive relegation”- Makinka.
“The quicker we accept the situation, the better, so that we can adjust and, you know, start picking points,” Makinka said.
“The team is okay. There are just a few things that we need to do, you know, especially since it’s just on the mind. We just change the mindset. I think it will come very soon. It’s coming very soon.”
He adds that Forest Rangers will now shift attention to the remaining matches of the first round of the season.
“We’ll take each game as it comes. We’ll work hard just to try and pick points, especially the remaining games of the half,” he stated.
Makinka is confident in the team’s ability to avoid relegation.
“I’m positive we will survive relegation with the type of players that we have, the input, the performance; you can see the fight,” he said.
