It’s a game that we just had to win – Lubinda

Napsa Stars Football Club first assistant coach Lawrence Lubinda has applauded his side’s discipline after securing their first victory of the 2025/26 MTN Super League season. The Pensioners edged Mines United 1-0 in a Week 5 clash on Sunday at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.

The result lifts Napsa Stars to 12th place on 5 points, while Mines United remain rooted to the bottom with a single point from five matches.

Speaking in a post-match interview, Lubinda emphasised the importance of the victory.

“It’s a game that we just had to win. We were looking forward to playing this game and it was a must-win game. Yes, with all due respect to our opponents, but I think we just had to plan well and execute our mission very well. So I think it’s a job well done to the players, and they knew how important it was for us to get maximum points at home,” he said.

Looking ahead, Lubinda stressed the need for consistency as they prepare to face Green Buffaloes in their next match.

“The message to the players will be consistency. We need more of it because three points are needed in the first round. Away next game, we are facing a bigger team. So we need to prepare very, very much and very well for Green Buffaloes. The message to the players will be just consistency and hard work,” he added.

Lubinda also pointed to Napsa’s attacking challenges despite creating chances.

“The areas we are supposed to work on is up front. We are creating a lot of chances but execution is the problem in our team. Although we are working extra hard as a technical bench, we need strikers to be scoring. Even today you’ve seen Larry is the one who has scored from midfield. We need strikers to come to the party. The joy of every striker is to put the ball behind the net, so they need to up their game,” he said.

The assistant coach revealed that the team had approached the fixture with determination from the outset. “From the first day in training the message was loud and clear that it’s a must-win game, so each and every player got that message and it has come to pass,” he concluded.

Napsa Stars will aim to build on this momentum when they make a short trip to face Green Buffaloes in Week 6 – a Lusaka derby.