CHAKAWA SETS SURVIVAL TARGET AS ROAN HOST GREEN BUFFALOES

Roan United head coach Satchmo Chakawa has identified survival from relegation as his primary target this season as the club adjusts to life in the MTN Super League following a 13-year absence.

The Luanshya-based side returns to top-flight football with renewed ambition after opening its Stream B campaign with a 2-1 away victory over Nkwazi at Edwin Imboela Stadium in Lusaka last weekend.

Roan United will now be hoping to build on that result when they host Green Buffaloes this afternoon in their first home match of the season.

Green Buffaloes, coached by Aggrey Chiyangi, also began their campaign with a victory, beating newly promoted Chirundu United 2-0.

Despite collecting maximum points in Lusaka, Chakawa admitted that Roan United’s performance against Nkwazi fell short of his expectations, although he was pleased with the outcome.

“We got the three points that we desired most, though the performance was not up to our plan. Performance-wise, the players could have done better, but the most important thing is about points. We got the points that we needed,” Chakawa said.

He added that competition for places in the squad had intensified during training ahead of the Green Buffaloes encounter, making selection decisions more difficult for the technical bench.

Chakawa said the team had reviewed both the positives and negatives from the opening match and was ready for the challenge, although he disclosed that there was one injury concern that could affect his selection.

“We have seen healthy competition among the players this week, and they have made it difficult for us to decide who to choose and who to start,” he said.

“The preparations have gone well. We took the positives from the previous match and also looked at the negatives. We tried to balance everything, and I think we are ready for Green Buffaloes.”

The Roan coach expects a difficult test against a disciplined and experienced Green Buffaloes side, acknowledging the experience of Chiyangi, whom he revealed had coached him in the past.

However, Chakawa said his side would concentrate on its own strengths and tactical approach rather than be distracted by the opposition.

“I know Green Buffaloes are a disciplined, experienced side. I also know the coach; he is a very experienced coach and once coached me. I respect him so much,” Chakawa said.

“Coming to how we approach the game, we look at ourselves and focus more on ourselves. We try to do what we do best, control the tempo of the game and trust our tactical principles.”

With expectations rising following their opening victory, Chakawa has urged Roan United supporters to remain patient and continue backing the team as it adjusts to the demands of top-flight football.

He acknowledged that returning to the Super League after such a long absence would not be easy, stressing that the club needed the support of its fans to remain competitive throughout the season.

“I know the expectations are high, especially after winning the last game in Lusaka. It is going to be difficult for us this season because covering a 13-year gap is not easy for anyone,” he said.

“But as long as the supporters are with us, they will give us strength. They will drive us through the league and help us win games, which will help us survive this season.”

Chakawa was emphatic about the club’s immediate objective, saying the focus was on securing enough points to retain their Super League status.

“Our primary focus this season is to survive relegation,” he said.