Masters FC coach Peter Mponda has warned his players against relying on their 4-0 first-round victory over Dedza Dynamos as they prepare to open their second-round campaign away from home on Sunday.
Mponda says the first-round result will count for nothing when the two sides meet again, stressing that the players’ hunger and ambition will be crucial in determining the outcome.
“First-round results can’t help us in any way in second-round games. This round, teams are fighting for a lot, the championship, Top 8 and survival,” Mponda said.
He added that beating Dedza 4-0 in the first round does not guarantee another victory, as the return fixture will present a different challenge.
“Beating them 4-0 in the first round can’t make us win this second leg again. It all depends on the players’ ambitions and hunger to win. Those are the factors that will determine how we perform in Dedza,” he said.
The coach, however, says preparations for the trip are progressing well, with the squad largely available for the encounter.
Masters will be without injured trio Chisomo Mpachika, Ben Manyozo and Sydney Yobe, but the rest of the squad is available for selection.
Masters finished the first round in fifth position, while Dedza Dynamos occupied 12th place, setting the stage for an important opening fixture as both teams seek to improve their positions in the second round.
For Masters, Sunday’s encounter offers an opportunity to build on their first-round success, but Mponda’s message is that the team must demonstrate the same determination and hunger rather than depend on past results.
