Motor Action emerged the only losers on a weekend other Zimbabwean teams shone in the African club competitions despite a massive cash backing from diamond mining company Mbada Diamonds.
For their 3-1 goal aggregate defeat to South African minnows Black Leopards in the preliminary stage of the Caf Confederation Cup, the Mighty Bulls deserve a big smack because they had all the resources and motivation.
So much was expected from the Eric Rosen-owned side after Mbada Diamonds sunk over $200 000 in their African expedition cause.
While the so-called Mighty Bulls were being mauled by the South African Leopards, other representatives in Africa were posting excellent marks elsewhere.
FC Platinum, who are participating in the African Champions League for the first time, hammered Green Mamba of Swaziland 8-2 on aggregate while Caf Confederation Cup aspirants Hwange spanked Zanzibar’s Jamhuri 7-1.
FC Platinum will now face El Merreikh of Sudan in the first round while Hwange face El Merreikh’s compatriots El Amal in the next stage later this month.
We wish the two clubs successful campaigns. In the same vein we think Motor Action were the biggest let down taking into consideration they had everything they wanted, especially financial backing. The team was a bad advertisement for clubs in Zimbabwe. They deceived the fans and sponsors.
Here is a club that had everything going for it, but sadly lost to Black Leopards who currently anchor the South African Premier League log and are fighting relegation.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Leopards’ management made it clear after their 1-1 draw against the Bulls that their priority was fighting the chop in SA and winning the Confederation Cup was a bonus.
Leopards did not have their head coach Heric Vladislav while their key striker Nigerian Joshua Obaje was deported because of visa complications. Surely this was enough motivation for the hosts, but they had other ideas.
Their sponsors Mbada Diamonds might not say it for diplomatic purposes, but we think deep down they are ruing their decision to sponsor this team in the first place. Sponsors inject money expecting success, but in this case Mbada Diamonds were frustrated.
They had hoped that their product would get maximum mileage in Africa and beyond via Motor Action but their dreams were shattered.
It would appear the Joey Antipas-coached side lacked depth. The departure of key players such as Allen Gahadzikwa is beginning to take its toll on the club. Ironically, Gahadzikwa is enjoying top form with FC Platinum.
Motor Action could have done better against struggling Black Leopards.
