Nkana FC coach Elijah Tana says his team is ready for Saturday’s MTN Super League Week 6 encounter against Power Dynamos at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Tana says the team has prepared adequately for the derby, with particular attention given to the mental demands of a fixture he expects to be highly competitive.
Tana believes the occasion involving the two Copperbelt rivals requires more than just physical readiness, particularly with a young squad that must be mentally prepared for the intensity of the derby.
“Football is all about preparation. The preparation we take it as if it is a plan when you are getting married. When you are getting married, what do you do? You plan,” Tana said.
The Nkana coach acknowledged the energy within his young squad but emphasised the need to keep his players focused and avoid complacency.
“My players are very young, so they are energetic, but to work on it is mental. You know young players, they have time to collapse, so I talk to them. This is a derby, don’t relax, don’t take it easy. It will be tough.”
Tana also acknowledged the responsibility that comes with leading Nkana into such a fixture, noting that the pressure rests on the technical bench to ensure the team is properly prepared.
“Of course, from our side, we planned for it. We planned for it adequately. So we will go for it.”
Nkana will, however, be without captain Harrison Chisala, who is nursing an injury, while striker Dave Daka is also unavailable after picking up an injury in last Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Konkola Blades. Saturday’s encounter presents Nkana with an opportunity to respond following that defeat, as they seek to return to winning ways in a fixture that carries special significance for both clubs.
The match kicks off at 15h00 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola and will be broadcast live on TopStar.
