FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Wedson Nyirenda says his immediate priority is lifting his players after Saturday’s Airtel Top 8 setback, believing the defeat has highlighted areas his side must improve as they turn their focus to the rest of the season.
Peter Banda’s superb second-half free-kick earned Bullets a 1-1 draw in regulation time and levelled the quarterfinal at 2-2 on aggregate, but Ekhaya prevailed 7-6 in the penalty shootout to book their place in the semifinals.
Despite the disappointment, Nyirenda believes it is important for his players to quickly move on and focus on the challenges that remain this season.
“We have to lift the players’ spirits. We still have the league to fight for and other cups to compete in. This defeat has shown us where our weaknesses are, and we now know what needs to be improved going forward.”
Nyirenda believes Bullets lost the tie in the opening half, citing a lack of discipline and adherence to the tactical plan.
“In terms of discipline and tactical discipline, we did not do anything in the first half. That is where we lost the game.”
The Zambian tactician also admitted his side fell well below their usual standards during the opening 45 minutes.
“I am disappointed with our performance today. We did not come to the party. We did not play anything in the first half and everyone seemed lost. We were making wrong decisions, and we were too slow for this team.”
Nyirenda also questioned his side’s mentality, saying complacency crept into their performance despite there still being everything to play for.
“There was a lot of casualness and complacency. It was as if the players thought they had already won the tie, yet there was still everything to fight for in the second leg.”
The defeat brought Bullets’ four-year reign as Airtel Top 8 champions to an end.
Bullets’ attention now turns to the FDH Bank Premiership, with an immediate opportunity to respond against Ekhaya at Mpira Stadium next Sunday.
