As Taking pictures Stars Sports activities Membership (3SC) put together for a frightening journey to Port Harcourt to face Rivers United in NPFL Gameweek 4, goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal insists perception continues to be robust inside the camp regardless of a faltering begin to the brand new season.
The Oluyole Warriors have but to style victory after three matches, falling to a house defeat in Ibadan on the opening day, earlier than managing simply two attracts, together with one other disappointing stalemate on house soil towards Ikorodu Metropolis within the Southwest Derby.
Now, the staff faces the daunting activity of taking part in Rivers United, one of many league’s most ruthless attacking sides, in entrance of their intimidating house assist.
For Lawal, nevertheless, strain comes with the badge. In an unique with PREMIUM TIMES, the 3SC skipper opened up about his mindset, the staff’s starvation to reply, and the positives he has drawn from a troublesome begin.
Dealing with the strain
Requested how he’s dealing with the burden of expectations going into Sunday’s conflict, Lawal stored his response measured however hopeful:
“To this point the ball bounces on the pitch, count on any consequence. However we’re hopeful and I’m hoping for the very best.”
Going through Rivers’ firepower
Rivers United, identified for his or her firepower on house soil, will take a look at Taking pictures Stars’ defensive self-discipline to the restrict. Lawal believes the answer lies in collective focus:
“I feel all we have to do finest, to attain an honest end in Rivers state, is to be at our greatest.”
It’s a assertion that displays each warning and conviction; the attention of the problem forward, and the assumption that solely peak efficiency will yield dividends in Port Harcourt.
A message to the followers
The environment on the Lekan Salami Stadium has been stressed. A defeat and a draw at house have left the Taking pictures Stars trustworthy annoyed. However their chief from the again insists the gamers stay undaunted:
“Very decided. We received’t surrender. We’re Taking pictures Stars, we’re decided.”
It’s the form of combating message which will resonate with the followers, who shall be determined to see their staff rediscover resilience towards one of many NPFL’s greatest sides.
Indicators of hope
Regardless of the tough begin, Lawal insists he has seen encouraging glimpses that give him confidence {that a} turnaround is close to:
“The zeal to show issues spherical positively is obvious, as seen in coaching, and even outdoors.”
That zeal, he argues, is alive within the squad; a reminder that three video games into a protracted NPFL season, nothing is misplaced but.
A heavyweight conflict in context
Rivers United have opened their marketing campaign with a win and two attracts, sustaining their repute as one of many hardest groups to face at house. In distinction, Taking pictures Stars, after an offseason overhaul in each administration and technical bench, are trying to find rhythm.
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Each side know what’s at stake: for Rivers United, it’s about consolidating their top-half push early on; for 3SC, it’s about avoiding slipping deeper into the underside half of the desk and silencing doubts from their stressed supporters.
Sunday in Port Harcourt will take a look at extra than simply ways; it’ll take a look at the Oluyole Warriors’ mentality.
And in Mustapha Lawal, they’ve a pacesetter whose phrases echo the spirit of defiance: “We received’t surrender.”
