Ekhaya FC head coach Enos Chatama has shared his thoughts ahead of Saturday’s home clash against Red Lions, as the Cowboys look to respond to their opening-day defeat.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, the gaffer reflected on the team’s performance in the league opener, highlighting areas for improvement while remaining confident in his squad’s ability to bounce back.
Here’s what he had to say:
On key takeaways from the previous match
We are back at home to host Red Lions in the second match of the season. The boys are gearing up for the game. We made individual errors in the last match which, if avoided, could have helped us win.
We did not play well in the first 20–30 minutes and resorted to long balls, which is not our normal style. In the second half, we improved, and we scored a goal. We conceded goals that could have been avoided, but that happens in football.
The boys played very well in the second half, and if we play against Red Lions the way we did in that period, we have a good chance of winning on Saturday.
We need to work on the mental capacity of the boys, improve communication, and be more composed in front of goal.
On team selection and finding combinations
Sometimes it is not just about combinations, but about performance on the day. You have seen teams change two or three players at once. As a coach, you expect players to execute what you see in training, but on match day, some may not perform well and have to be substituted.
We have a lot of good players, starting the game does not guarantee finishing the 90 minutes. Players coming off the bench can change the tempo and even win the game. Some who started did not perform well, while those who came on made a positive impact. We have a good team and a strong bench.
On debutants’ performance in the opener
They did not perform to the expected standards, except for one or two. They looked under pressure. We had a mixed team; the defence was largely the same as last season, minus Alick Lungu, who is nursing an injury. In goal, we had Lucky Tizola. Although he made mistakes, he is a good goalkeeper and will improve. We have encouraged him, as mistakes are part of the game, and we must move forward.
On integrating new signings
It will not take long for them to gel. The spine of the team is already there. We believe the team will improve, it is only a matter of time before we get a win and kick-start the campaign. There are still many points to fight for, and the season is long. You can start badly and finish strong.
On Saturday’s opponents
They are coming from a 1-1 draw at home and will come at us strongly. If we beat them, we get three points while they remain with one. We cannot afford to drop more points. The boys are showing hunger, and I believe it will be a tough game for Red Lions.
On addressing slow starts
We need to approach games with a strong mentality, start fast but remain cautious at the back. We should not neglect the tactical side, especially communication. We need natural leaders on the field to guide others. When we were 2-0 down, some players dropped their heads and thought the game was over, but a match is never lost in 30 minutes. You only lose after the final whistle. We believe they have learned their lessons and will come with a positive mindset.
On squad availability
There are not many absentees in training. Only two players are missing: goalkeeper Joshua Waka (illness) and midfielder Moses Banda. Alick Lungu has just returned to training but is not yet ready for the game. We will have a wide selection of players available for Saturday.
Word to fans
Patience brings joy. We are building a strong project. Many players are showing improvement, and with proper development, they will become great. The supporters need to keep encouraging the boys. Sometimes mistakes happen and you lose, and sometimes the players perform at their best and win you games.
