Ekhaya FC return to the Sapitwa 4 Pre-Season Tournament this afternoon, opening their campaign against Red Lions. Ahead of the lunchtime kickoff, Head Coach Enos Chatama spoke to the media and reflected on preparations, expectations, and the broader direction of the team. Here is everything the coach had to say.
On preparations
“We’ve been shaping up well. We started our pre-season three weeks ago and we’re working on addressing specific areas of the team. Overall, we are ready for this tournament. It’s an important platform for us — more like competitive tests — as we continue to build towards the new season.”
On what the tournament presents
“This tournament gives players valuable match fitness in just two days. It also offers a big opportunity for them to showcase their talent as we prepare for the league. There is no pressure on us; these games act like high-level friendlies. We want to explore different alternatives, test different combinations, and allow the group to grow. We need patience and trust in the process — if we do that, we will get to where we want to be.”
On the new acquisitions
“Some of them may feature. We signed these players for very clear reasons. First, we needed depth — something we lacked last season. We finished the season with only one striker and had gaps in certain areas. It was crucial to bring competition, balance and stability across the squad.
“You can already see that many players we brought in last season — like Moses Banda, Alick Lungu, Blessings Malinda, Hermas Masinja and others — have become the backbone of the team. We struggled at the end of the season due to injuries, but now we have a group that can cope. We can lose two players and still have strong replacements. Every good team needs depth to sustain a long season.”
On facing Red Lions in the opening match
“They are a good team. They’ve been long-standing customers in the Super League. They were relegated, and now they are back. We expect a tough match from Red Lions. There is no pressure on us — we’re still building and focusing on our structure.”
On the appointment of the Technical Director
“I can’t comment much on that. My responsibility is to build the team. We have a long journey ahead, and we welcome him. He has his role, and I have mine. I believe the future of Ekhaya FC is bright.”
On arrivals and departures
“Last season we lost seven to eight players, and you saw how that affected us. This time around we have brought in young players who already have league experience. With these additions, we will be better and more stable.”
On chasing the trophy after finishing runners-up last season
“This tournament is more like a series of friendly matches. You can perform well at Sapitwa and struggle in the league, or you can struggle here and excel once the season starts. What matters most is what we learn from these games.”
