NAPSA Stars FC vs ZESCO United FC: Head Coach Perry Mutapa Previews the Match
The 2023/24 MTN Super League season kicks off this weekend, and NAPSA Stars FC are scheduled to play ZESCO United FC tomorrow at Woodlands Stadium.
Head Coach Perry Mutapa has previewed the match in a pre-match interview with NAPSA Stars FC Media.
On the match against ZESCO United FC:
“It’s a huge game, it does not come bigger than this. ZESCO United have done well for our football in this country, and they were part of the reason why we had four slots in CAF. I know they will want to do well especially in the first round, so I know it will not be an easy game tomorrow.”
On whether he is overrating ZESCO United:
“We are not overrating them, but what I am saying is that they are a big team with a great veteran coach and big experienced players. But they will come up against a determined Napsa Stars team, one of the emerging forces in Zambian football. So it will be a great game.”
On how he has prepared for the match:
“Yes, they are a great team, and they have both an experienced coach and players, but we are very prepared for every team as NAPSA Stars FC. We have our own plan so it’s going to be a good game.”
On wanting to start the league on a high:
“Last season in the first round, we did not do well so this time around we should be careful with. So, coming to this season, we want to do well in the first round starting with the first game. We have short- and long-term goals, but for now, we are going for the short-term goal, which is to do well and qualify for ABSA Cup.”
On using Woodlands Stadium as their home venue:
“Heroes is obviously our preferred venue, but with renovations scheduled to start, we are not allowed to use it, so we must make sure we utilize woodlands for now.”
On the new players:
“Slowly they are getting there. We could have loved that they come in good time to start preparations with us, but we don’t want to rush them because they can get injured with their level of fitness. Slowly we will reach our target. We did not have preseason with them so it’s a risk on our part so we have to make sure they are ready.”
On the new sponsorship renewal with Stanbic:
“It’s a motivation to the team. The support goes a long way and we want to do well to make our sponsors and fans proud.”
The match between NAPSA Stars FC and ZESCO United FC is scheduled to start at 13:00hours tomorrow at Woodlands Stadium.