Eagles change Standard Bank Cup strategy

Faced with an uphill task to defend their 2012 Standard Bank Knockout Cup, Blue Eagles have changed their strategy for Saturday’s reverse quarter-final match against Silver Strikers.

The change comes after Silver Strikers beat Eagles 3-1 in the first leg of the quarter-finals last week at Silver Stadium.

Eagles general secretary Ackis Muwanga confirmed the change in game-plan on Wednesday.

“We were playing away and it did not work; hence, changing our game strategy was inevitable. We do not want to believe the game is beyond redemption,” Muwanga explained.

The Nation was verifying reports that Eagles players would get more bonuses if they string a surprise and sail through to the final.

“We sat down with the players and reminded them of our targets, what they must do and what is expected of them. As for incentives, that is an internal matter. The players know pretty well what is at stake if they pull an upset,” said Muwanga.

Silver assistant coach Itai Nundwe was a model of modesty on Tuesday, admitting that it would be disastrous if the Bankers go to Nankhaka thinking they are already in the semi-final.

“I do not think our players would be complacent as that could be suicidal. Eagles can score two straight goals and sail through,” Nundwe cautioned.

In other games, Big Bullets carry a slender 1-0 lead to Epac FC while Mighty Wanderers start all over again after a 1-1 draw with Escom United. Civo United and Moyale Barracks, too, start on an equal footing following a 1-1 draw.