Following Creck Sporting Reserve’s historic qualification to the inaugural National Bank of Malawi (NBM) U-23 Championship final, Head Coach Lazarous Chirwa has reflected on key areas his side must improve ahead of the decisive match.

Creck Sporting Reserve reached the final after dramatic victories over Chimbiya Stars, Dedza Soccer Saints, and Lobi Young Soccer.

The team progressed from the Round of 16 to the semi-finals through post-match penalties, a situation Coach Chirwa believes highlights an area that needs urgent attention goal scoring during regulation time.

Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances in the opponents’ half, the Reserve side struggled to convert opportunities.

It took a moment of brilliance from Rodrick Sambani Jnr, who led by example with a powerful low strike from outside the box, to level the score against Lobi Young Soccer in Dedza with just 10 minutes remaining.

“We haven’t registered enough goals during regulation time due to poor timing in the final third, but reaching the final has given us a starting point,With the break we’ve had, we are working on sharpening our strikers so they can be more effective during the game.” he said

Chirwa also pointed to the midfield department as another area needing improvement. While acknowledging their ball control and possession play, he stressed the importance of being more purposeful and aggressive going forward.

“The midfielders have also let us down in terms of pushing forward and supplying quality balls to the strikers. At times we relax with possession, but that doesn’t mean we are winning. We are now focusing on shaping the midfield to be more creative, press harder, and produce quicker goals to outclass the opponent’s defense,” he added.

Creck Sporting Reserve secured their place in the inaugural NBM U-23 Championship final last week and are now awaiting confirmation of their final opponent.