Kamusoko confident of win in Kenya

Sport
FC PLATINUM skipper Thabani Kamusoko is confident his side will put up a good show when they clash with Kenya’s Sofapaka in the first leg preliminary round of the Orange Caf Confederation Cup at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, next Sunday.

FC PLATINUM skipper Thabani Kamusoko is confident his side will put up a good show when they clash with Kenya’s Sofapaka in the first leg preliminary round of the Orange Caf Confederation Cup at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, next Sunday.

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The Zvishavane-based platinum miners played a 1-1 draw against Highlanders on Saturday at Barbourfields Stadium as they wound up their preparations for the tie and Kamusoko said FC Platinum were not new in the African Safari and would be using that experience against Sofapaka, a club they don’t know much about.

“We are still continuing with the preparations, but everything looks set,” Kamusoko said.

“Everyone looks sharp and I think it’s all about concentration. We can win in Kenya. We don’t know much about Sofapaka, but I think everything will be fine. We have players that have experience playing in Africa. I played in Africa for FC Platinum before when we lost to El Merreikh in Sudan.”

A youthful side that had the likes of Raphael Muduviwa, Walter Musona, Tatenda Dzumbunu, Wisdom Musona and twins Kelvin and Elvis Moyo held Bosso to a 1-1 draw after scoring first through Donald Ngoma in the 20th minute before Bruce Kangwa equalised in the 72nd minute.

Also in the squad was goalkeeper Petros Mhari, who is not new to the African expedition after playing for Hwange in the Confederation Cup in 2012, before joining the platinum miners.

FC PLATINUM goalkeeper Petros Mhari
FC PLATINUM goalkeeper Petros Mhari

Platinum had veteran Daniel Vheremu, Aaron Katebe, Obey Chirwa, Nelson Maziwisa, Simon Shoko and Allen Gahadzikwa on the bench, including goalkeeper Francis Tizayi, Ian Nekati, Emmanuel Mandiranga and Wellington Kamudyariwa.

Coach Norman Mapeza is expected to join them this week after going through the Caf A Licence coaching course. Assistant coach Patrick Mandizha was in charge against Highlanders on Saturday.

“We are taking this game (Sofapaka) cautiously so that we don’t concede a goal, but at the same time we will be looking for a positive result so that when we come back home, it will work to our advantage,” Mandizha said.

“We just want our fans to keep on supporting us. They should not put us under pressure. Even when the chips are down, they should continue to support us. Our team is composed mainly of young players. We want to produce the best results not only for Platinum but for Zimbabwe.”

Ngoma and Dzumbunu were injured on Saturday and were pulled out. Mandizha said he was yet to get the full report on their injuries from the team doctors.

FC Platinum leave for Kenya on Friday for the Sunday game and are expected to be cheered on by about 50 supporters who will depart from Harare on Saturday morning.