Kadenge explains why Zebron Kalima struggled against Yanga, Petro’s impact

Silver Strikers Head Coach Kadenge Mwafulirwa has admitted that midfielder Zebron Kalima had an off day when the Bankers faced Young Africa Sporting Club on Saturday.

The attacking midfielder started the game as a left winger but failed to make a real impact, leading to his substitution at halftime. He was replaced by Ernest Petro, who immediately sparked the game with his combination play alongside Uchizi Vunga.

MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA

Petro’s introduction proved decisive as he provided the assist for Andrew Joseph’s brilliant goal, giving Silver Strikers a crucial advantage ahead of next Saturday’s return leg in Tanzania.

“Long Ball Tactics Didn’t Suit Kalima”

Speaking after the match, Kadenge explained that the team’s tactical approach contributed to Kalima’s struggles.

“Zeb is a good player most of the time. Today [Saturday] maybe it was just not his day. He was off. We were playing against tall players and we were supplying him with high and long balls. It was disadvantageous to him,” Kadenge said.

The coach acknowledged that the physical mismatch and aerial battle didn’t play to Kalima’s strengths, forcing a change in approach.

The introduction of Ernest Petro at halftime transformed the match as the Central Bankers began penetrating Yanga SC’s defensive lines more effectively.

Kadenge revealed the substitution was a calculated tactical decision that paid immediate dividends.

“It was tactical, that’s what we call a tactical change. After Zeb failed to tick, that’s why we introduced [Ernest] Petro and it worked. We also changed the system to a diamond shape in the midfield. When Petro came on, he was like another plus to the team,” the coach explained.

Silver Strikers will now turn their attention to Saturday’s crucial return leg in Tanzania. The Bankers need to avoid defeat to secure their place in the CAF Champions League Group Stages, with Joseph’s away goal potentially proving vital in their qualification bid.