Mutapa cautious over rushing ex-Bucs striker Mulenga

Napsa Stars coach Perry Mutapa has cautioned that they will take it easy on ex-Bucs striker Augustine Mulenga despite inspiring them to a big midweek win over Zesco United.

Mulenga scored Napsa’s opening goal in Wednesday’s 2-1 home win over the struggling nine-time Zambian champions at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

The former Orlando Prates and AmaZulu midfielder put Napsa ahead in the 3rd minute, but Zesco hit back through a Vincent Oburu 19^thminute equaliser before the host sealed the victory through a 59^th-minute Musonda Kapembwa penalty.

This Saturday, fifth-placed Napsa are back in action when they host 14^th-positioned Kabwe Warriors at the same venue.

“Excellent performance, but for a player who has been on a long layoff, I think we should manage him carefully,” Mutapa said.

“They are moments in the game when I asked him if the legs could continue, and he signalled ‘yes’ he could.

This was Mulenga’s second game in a Napsa shirt since joining the promoted Lusaka club on a half-a-season deal a fortnight ago.

The 32-year-old had been clubless since leaving Amazulu at the end of last season when he ended with a long-term injury and decided to return to Zambia to reboot his career.

Mulenga lasted 88 minutes in the win over 13th placed Zesco.”Even before this game, we wanted him to just be coming on as a substitute,” Mutapa said.

 “We should manage him well because he hasn’t played a lot of football due to the injury.

“But what a splendid performance from him.

“We are happy to have Augustine, he has brought something different, and I think if the fitness was up there, I think even in the second half, he could have scored two or three goals.

“But a fit Augustine was going to put those balls in the net.”