Phiri relieved after Nakambala survived

Nakambala Leopards coach Patrick Phiri is delighted his players delivered on their promise to survive demotion from the Faz Super League this season.

Nakambala beat Konkola Blades 2-1 at home in Mazabuka on Wednesday, to swap places and see the latter demoted from the Super League.

The win ensured Nakambala, who have failed to leave the bottom three of the log the entire season, extended their top flight stay for a third straight year.

Phiri said he was sure Nakambala would survive after they picked up five out of a possible nine points in their last three games following draws against Mighty Mufulira Wanderers, Nkana and an away win over Red Arrows.

“I saw it from the way we played on the Copperbelt where we drew against Mighty, Zesco and Nkana and told the boys to believe and they have delivered,” Phiri said.

Phiri also thanked the provincial club supporters’ and that the victory was gift to Zambia’s sugar capital Mazabuka where the team is based.

“Coming into this match, we planned and executed out plan and it worked. Now we plan for next season,” the ex-Zambia coach said.

Nakambala finished the 2015 season in 12th place on 31 points, three points more than Blades who ended the campaign second from bottom in 15th position.