Sat, 23 Sep 2017 11:32:05 +0000
By Grace Chaile Lesoetsa
PATRICK Phiri says he has complete trust in his players not to squander Lusaka Dynamos’ target of winning this season’s prestigious Barclays Cup, ahead of tomorrow’s quarterfinal clash against Kabwe Youth Academy at Lusaka’s Nkoloma Stadium.
Phiri declared his charges ready, adding that his side will use all tricks in the book to secure a semi-final slot.
He said winning tomorrow’s match will be perfect motivation for his team in their quest to win a second major title in Zambia’s football flare since the club’s founding 38 years ago.
Dynamos’ only achievement on the local scene was lifting of the then BP Top Eight Cup after defeating Zesco United 1-0 in 2008.
“This is one title that every team wants to win and so we will do everything possible to record victory on Sunday to reach the semi-final. Training has been going on well and the boys are mentally and physically ready for the task,” Phiri said.
He acknowledged that Kabwe Youth Academy had been impressive this season, a perfect performance that has seen them win Super League promotion with five matches to spare.
With such rare achievement, Phiri said the Kabwe side will try to upset his top flight title chasing Lusaka Dynamos.
Phiri said qualification to the semi-final will raise his team’s profile as they aim to stamp their authority in the Super Division.
“The entire club is looking forward to success in the Barclays competition on our maiden appearance in this competition. We have had a good run so far this season and we will continue to work hard,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Dynamos have suffered a setback after dependable midfielder Aubrey Funga was ruled out of Sunday’s clash due to a thigh muscle injury pull while defender Paul Banda, who sustained a hamstring hurt, remains a doubt.
Both players sustained the injuries during training
Phiri however said he has enough ammunition to fill the gap created by Funga and Banda’s injuries.
In the lunchtime kick-off tomorrow, FAZ/MTN leaders Green Buffaloes will face town rivals Napsa Stars in a Lusaka derby at the same venue.
Winners of this year’s competition will pocket K350, 000 while runners-up will walk away with K180, 000. The coach of the tournament will bag K15, 000 just as the player of the tournament.
The sponsors have allocated K5, 000 to the player of each match.
