Interim Coach Fundi Akidu has challenged Ekhaya FC to build on last weekend’s victory over Kamuzu Barracks and deliver an improved away performance when The Cowboys travel to Zomba to face Red Lions in the FDH Bank Premiership on Sunday.
In this full pre-match interview, Coach Akidu discusses preparations for Red Lions, the importance of last weekend’s victory, the challenge of improving Ekhaya’s away record, potential squad changes and his message to the supporters ahead of Sunday’s encounter. Here is everything Akidu discussed ahead of the tie.
Preparations for Red Lions
“We have prepared just as we do for every other game because winning against Red Lions at their own homeyard will not be an easy task. We are prepared our objective is to return with three points.”
Building on last week’s victory
“It is important to win. Our first round did not go well, so winning the game against Kamuzu Barracks was a stepping stone. I believe the players, as well as the technical panel, will start believing more. I also believe the players will not turn back or lose momentum.”
Turning around the unwanted away record
“These are different games. If you look at our record you will notice that we have struggled to perform well when playing away from home. However, football is unpredictable. We have spoken to the players and we simply need to change our approach to away games. I believe we will perform better this time.”
Squad availability and selection
“Let me confirm that we will be without Happy Mphepo due to injury. We will also be without Levie Mnyenyembe who is injured and Hermas Masinja who is suspended.”
Mchema’s finally training with the team
“Mchema played his part in the first round. We are praying that by Sunday he will be fit and ready. He is available for selection and I believe the fans will be happy to see him wearing the Ekhaya FC jersey again.”
Impact of the boosted attack
“ Yes, we can confidently say that as Ekhaya FC, with the strikers we have, we are ready to compete.”
Expectations and objectives
“It will be a very difficult game. As someone who understands football, I know that football is unpredictable and never easy. Considering our first round encounter, we drew against these players at Chiwembe. As Ekhaya, we are travelling to Zomba to face Red Lions, whom we also drew against in the first round. I believe it will be a tough game because we are not backing down either. We were disappointed with the draw in our previous meeting.”
Message to the fans
“I believe it will be a very good game, and I expect it to be a thrilling encounter. Our only prayer is for our supporters to come out in large numbers and encourage us. As Ekhaya, we are also ready and we want our supporters to enjoy the game.”
The Cowboys will head to Zomba determined to build on their victory over Kamuzu Barracks and secure a positive result against Red Lions as they seek to revive their campaign in the second round of the FDH Bank Premiership. With Akidu targeting maximum points and calling on supporters to rally behind the team, Ekhaya will be looking to turn their renewed confidence into another strong performance on Sunday.
