By MICHAEL MIYOBA
NKANA FC coach Ian Bakala says he doesn’t regret joining the Kitwe giants who are languishing in the relegation zone of the MTN Zambia Super League after picking only one win in eight matches since he took over.
In the eight games he has been in charge of Kalampa, Bakala has recorded four defeats three draws and one win with Nkana occupying 17th slot on the Super League table with six points.
Bakala, who took over from Beston Chambeshi who was axed in the second week of the season following defeats to Red Arrows and Mutondo Stars in the first two games said Nkana would continue to fight for a winning formula.
Speaking after the painful 3-1 defeat to Nkwazi over the weekend, Bakala said Nkana would continue to work hard to achieve something as the league progress.
“We are looking for a winning formula and playing at home and losing I think it is very disappointing but again it has to come to the players also. Looking at the way we are conceding and I think it is our job now to work on that going forward, we have to improve,” Bakala said.
Asked what caused Nkana to lose to Nkwazi at home, the former Forest Rangers coach said; “This is a very disappointing result. We got relaxed from the beginning. We had a chat with the players before the game but what we discussed is what happened.
We reminded the players not to concede early but unfortunately, we conceded the same way we conceded in Mufulira and I think it is just the mental strength of the players. The winning mentality is not yet in but going forward we will achieve something.”
After the loss to Nkwazi, Nkana will face Konkola Blades in the next fixture slated for tomorrow at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.
Bakala said Kalampa, who have been using Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka as their home venue following a ban on Nkana Stadium, will have to continue fighting with the players who are available until the new players’ transfer window opens.
