Enos Chatama: We could have scored five or seven goals against Hammers

Ekhaya FC took a significant stride towards avoiding relegation this season with an impressive 3-1 victory over Mzuzu City Hammers over the weekend in Rumphi. Head Coach Enos Chatama, while pleased with the three points, believes his side could have scored “five or even seven goals” given the numerous chances created.

The Cowboys, showing their intent early, found the back of the net after just seven minutes through former Bullets Reserve player Andrew Lameck. However, Mzuzu City Hammers quickly responded with a leveling strike from Nigerian forward Samson Olatibusan in the 18th minute.

Ekhaya regained the lead in the 30th minute courtesy of Wongani Kaponya Jnr, and Clever Chikwata sealed the win early in the second half, putting the game beyond the Hammers’ reach.

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Speaking after the match, Chatama acknowledged the Hammers’ initial intensity. “It was a tough game as Mzuzu City Hammers came with gas blazing,” he said. “We pressurized them and got a goal, [but] we didn’t defend well that set-piece, they equalized.”

Chatama revealed his halftime instructions focused on either defending their narrow lead or pressing for another goal. His team opted for the latter, a decision that paid off handsomely. “They played according to the instructions and we piled more pressure, we got the third goal in the first 10 minutes of the second half,” he explained.

Despite the comfortable win, Chatama expressed a touch of disappointment regarding missed opportunities. “We defended very well, we were good on a counter, we created numerous chances, we could have scored five even seven goals, but it wasn’t meant to be. But all in all, three points in the bag, we are taking a giant step towards surviving the relegation.”

With 19 points from 9 games, including six wins, two defeats, and one draw, Ekhaya FC’s form is certainly encouraging. However, Chatama remains focused on the immediate goal rather than the league table. “What we are looking at is surviving in the league, prepare for the next season, build a team for the future, building a team is a process,” he stated, emphasizing his relatively short tenure with the team. “I’m a new coach in the league, I’m just five months old, the players are new, they are coming from the Premier Division with few individuals who have experience, we believe that with time we are getting there.”

Ekhaya FC’s next challenge will be an away trip to Dedza Stadium to face Dedza Dynamos. Chatama anticipates a difficult encounter against a team with a new coach. “It will be a difficult game, Dedza are a good team, they have got a new coach in the name of Alex Ngwira, it will not be easy in Dedza, but we will be geared up, at least get a positive result, go home and prepare for the next assignment.”

The club also dedicated their victory to striker Christopher Gototo, whose father recently passed away. “His father passed away last week, I think this is a tribute to him, the boys have won the game for him, quite good,” Chatama added. “We will be welcoming him with three points, it’s good for him, good for the team, we are in sorrow and we are mourning together with him.”