Ahead of Ekhaya FC’s trip to Civo Stadium to face Civil Service United on Saturday afternoon, 1st Assistant Coach Fundi Akidu addressed the media on a number of key issues — from the team’s slow start to the season to the mindset required for the Lilongwe test.
Here is every word from Coach Akidu.
On shaping up for Civil Service United
“We have played two games, we did not do well in the first game and in our must-win game against Red Lions we failed as well to do better. The biggest problem has been to convert the chances we are creating. We have been largely working on that in order to use our chances.”
On the mentality needed at Civo
“As a team we have learnt a lot, especially from the Blue Eagles game from which we conceded unnecessary goals. The games we play away from home are different from those we play at home. Going into the Civil game, let’s try not concede goals and we will have chances of having a good trip to Lilongwe.”
On the pressure for a turnaround
“We were active on the transfer market, driven by the dream Ekhaya FC has. It will take us a bit of time to start playing as a team. We have hope with the players we have that we will do better this year. The fans have to be patient, they will see good things soon.”
On Civil Service United
“Civil Services United are a strong team, it has been in the Super League for a long time. If we compare them with our team, we can say we are going there as underdogs. We have to take them cautiously. In football, just like in life, nothing is impossible.
For them to draw against Bullets it is not the first time, the Civil that I know is a team that works hard, they always sell players but they are always a strong team. I believe it is going to be a good game, we have spoken with the players that we must win this game no matter what.”
Squad update
“There are no suspended players, if we talk about those who are not making the trip there are players like Joshua Waka, Moses Banda, Alick Lungu whom we are still waiting for our medical team to tell us that we can start using them.”
On the mood amidst the hunt for a first win of the season
“The morale is good, we cannot give any excuses from our sponsors. Our team is one of the teams which has the necessities to do better. We believe we are going to do better in this campaign. They should come in large numbers. As a team, our goal is for our fans to be happy.”
