New TSG 1899 Hoffenheim manager Markus Babbel believes Zimbabwe international striker Knowledge Musona has a huge role to play ahead of this afternoons Bundesliga football match against former German champions Bayern Munich.
Having played just 12 games under former manager Holger Stanislawski and scoring none, the former Kaizer Chiefs hitman has been encouraged by the support from the new man in charge and stands a chance of making an appearance for the first time this year.
Going into the match, Srdjan Lakic damaged ankle ligaments against FC Kln, while Sven Schipplock suffered a knock to his knee in the same match and that provides Musona with an opportunity to showcase his talent, according to Babel.
I dont see that as a problem. We have Knowledge Musona and Peniel Mlapa, and theyll now have to show what they can do, Babbel told the clubs official website.
Babbel added: Ive experienced a lot in my career as a manager. Bayern were very good not so long ago, and now theyre on a bad run. Well be in good spirits when we go to Munich, but it will take a great performance from us to get something from the game.
We have to stay compact at the back and be strong in the tackle. If we can do that, and get forward as well, well make it hard for them to beat us.
Defender Marvin Compper said: Its always tough when you take on Bayern. When they came here, we played without fear and gave them a real game. Thats what we have to do this weekend.
TSG are still without a win against Bayern, drawing three and losing four since their promotion to the Bundesliga in 2008. They have also lost all three encounters in Munich. Bayern could win their 900th game in the Bundesliga this weekend. Bayern have won just once in their last four games, while Hoffenheim are unbeaten under Babbel, with three draws and a win.
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Hoffeinheim lie in 10th place with 30 points from 24 matches, 18 behind their opponents today, who are placed second and a massive 25 points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund.
Musona, managed by WSP Agency, the same agency that manages Mamelodi Sundowns striker Nyasha Mushekwi and top Porto striker Alvaro Pereira, has played just 292 minutes of his career in Germany, starting one match and making 11 substitute appearances.
In the German Cup, he played 82 minutes and scored the winner for the club when they beat Cologne 2-1.
The former Aces Academy striker made his debut in the 3-1 win over Freiburg in September last year after which he told the media Hoffeinheim should aim to play in Europe next season.
Weve had a good start and if we keep working hard, then there is nothing that can stop us from doing very well. I was very happy to get a victory in my first game in the Bundesliga. The atmosphere was amazing and it is the same whenever we play the stadium is always full.
But its important to keep our heads up if we lose matches and try to keep fighting until the end. If we do that, then I dont see why we cant make it to Europe.
