Nkhoma calls for unity after Nkana’s home loss

By BENEDICT TEMBO

NKANA second assistant coach Josphat Nkhoma has urged unity within the camp and continued support from fans following Sunday’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Nchanga Rangers at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.

The result was a setback for Kalampa, who had hoped to kick-start the new month with a home victory, but Nkhoma said the focus must now shift to recovery and collective resilience.

At 35 points, Nkana are lingering two rungs above the drop zone.

“I know we have really disappointed our fans. They needed this victory and we wanted it as well. It’s a disappointing result for all of us, but we only hope they continue to rally behind the team because this is the time we need each other most,” he said.

According to Nkana media, the 13-time champions had shown encouraging signs in recent matches, particularly in attack, but once again struggled to convert their dominance into goals on home soil.

“If you look at our past games, there was improvement, especially in scoring. It’s disappointing that today, playing at home, we couldn’t get the goals we needed,” Nkhoma added.

The Kitwe giants were handed a golden opportunity early in the match when they won a penalty in the 10th minute. However, Dave Dakafailed to convert, sending his effort wide.

Nkhoma, however, was quick to defend the striker and put the miss into perspective.

“It happens in football. Last time he scored for us against Mufulira Wanderers, today we missed, but we still had enough time to capitalise and win the game.

We should not let this bring us down. We have to keep our heads up and know that we can still do it,” he said.

With the defeat behind them, Nkana now turn their attention to a tougher assignment away from home against Zesco United FC in Ndola in a Week 32 fixture of the MTN Super League.

Nkhoma says the technical bench will use the coming days to regroup, analyse mistakes and prepare a more effective approach.

“We have to go back, train and plan for Zesco. We have time to prepare and see how best we can approach the next game,” he said.

Despite the setback, Nkana remain hopeful that renewed focus and unity can help them bounce back in the remaining fixtures of the season.