CAFCL: Mutapa warns Dynamos not to allow Vipers SC win to cloud mission

Zambia Super League champions Power Dynamos head coach Oswald Mutapa says he is happy with the mental attitude displayed by his players going into the return leg of their CAF Champions League fixture against Uganda’s Vipers SC at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Friday.

Dynamos will head into the fixture carrying a 2-1 advantage secured from their first leg of the second preliminary round fixture in Uganda. A draw of any kind will see Dynamos punch their ticket to the group stages of the lucrative competition.

Despite the advantage, Mutapa remained cautious urging his troops not to allow the away win over the Venoms to cloud his team’s mission of going into the group stage.

‘Dynamos eyes already in the group stages’

“Yes we won the game away in Uganda, but for us that was just the first half of the game, we have the second half to deal with positively,” Mutapa told reporters ahead of the game.

He further clarified that he had no injury concerns heading into the clash. Asked if playing this match on Zambia’s Independence Day had any impact, Mutapa maintained it will be good to give Zambians a great gift as the country celebrates its 61st birthday, by winning the match.

Speaking on behalf of the players, vice team captain Salulani Phiri said the discussion amongst the players was focused on qualifying to the group stages and help the country reclaim the two continental slots that have eluded the country.

“All the players know what is at stake and the mentality in the team is about getting the slots back,” he explained.

He further paid tribute to the coaches on the technical bench, especially goal keeper coach Martin Mwamba and Linos Makwaza who have manged to tell the journey of power dynamos continental glory in 1991, when the team made history by winning the country’s only continental Cup.

Minnaert insist Vipers can still turn the tables

Meanwhile, Vipers coach Ivan Minnaert said it was still very possible for his team to beat Dynamos in front of their home fans, adding that his side is more prepared than worried about the narrow defeat they suffered at the hands of their opponents two weeks ago in Kampala.

Minnaert is confident that the Vipers will live up to their name and do what vipers are expected to do — inject venom into their opponents.

“Going into tomorrow’s game, we have no option but to win. We picked up a lot of positives from the loss in Kampala, and we are not under any pressure,” said the Vipers SC coach.

His sentiments were echoed by team captain Milton Kalisa, who added that his teammates are aware a capacity crowd may turn up to support Dynamos but will not be intimidated by a vociferous and partisan crowd.

“Getting to the group stage is great, and we are determined to beat Power and get there,” Kalisa concluded.