FC PLATINUM need to avoid complacency when they take on Sofapaka of Kenya in a CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round, second leg tie at Mandava Stadium tomorrow despite carrying a 2-1 score.
SUKOLUHLE MTHETHWA SPORTS REPORTER
The Zvishavane side got their campaign to a flying start beating the Kenyan side 2-1 at Nyayo National Stadium in Kenya a fortnight ago.
Donald Ngoma and Brian Muzondiwa’s goals ensured victory for FC Platinum while Sofapaka got their consolation from Fiston Abdou.
The Kenyan team were expected to land at Joshua Mqabuko International Airport last night from Harare, FC Platinum media liaison officer Chido Chizondo said yesterday.
“Sofapaka will land at Joshua Mqabuko International Airport at 7:45pm (last night). They will be escorted from Bulawayo to Zvishavane.
“The mood in our camp is good. We are still reiterating that we must not be complacent. We realise that this is a tough match,” she said.
FC Platinum head coach Norman Mapeza downplayed the 2-1 lead saying their focus will be on the job at hand tomorrow.
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“We are carrying a 2-1 lead, but we need to guard against complacency. We won in Kenya, but it is not yet over. The game is still on.
“Everything is fine in camp and we are looking forward to the match. The players are OK, but we are yet to see if there will be any injuries before the match,” he said.
After the loss to FC Platinum two weeks ago, Sofapaka coach Sam Timbe told media in Kenya that he was not worried about the defeat and they had conceded silly goals.
“I have been in this (football) business for many years and I know anything can happen,” he said.
FC Platinum are eyeing victory that will guarantee passage to the next round where they will meet Botswana Defence Forces or Young Africans of Tanzania.
The Mapeza-coached side are likely to meet the Tanzanian team which is almost assured of progression after a 2-0 win over Botswana Defence Forces Xl going into the reverse fixture.
FC Platinum is hoping to do better than in 2012 when they were knocked out in the second round after losing 0-3 to El Merreikh of Sudan. They were under the guidance of Rahman Gumbo.
The match could prove tough for the Kenyans as football fans in Zvishavane will be backing FC Platinum while Sofapaka played in a nearly empty stadium at home.
Sofapaka will be staying at Pote Hills Lodge in Zvishavane.
Botswana referee Tirelo Mositwane will handle the tie. He will be assisted by his countrymen Bakwena Simankalele as first assistant and second assistant Madondo Kitso Sibanda while the fourth official will be Omphile Phutego from Botswana.
Lucas Johane from Mozambique will be the match commissioner.
