Black Mambas will be eager to capitalise on Buffaloes’ inconsistent home record when they lock horns in the cash-rich Mbada Diamonds first round encounter at Sakubva Stadium tomorrow.
Report by Kenneth Nyangani The Mutare army side’s home record is not all that rosy, as most of their points this season came from away matches. Two weeks ago the team’s gaffer Saul Chaminuka almost lost his job because of poor showing on home soil.
Unlike the soldiers, who will be playing in the tournament for the first time, Black Mambas have experience at their disposal after they took part in the first edition of the same tournament last season, although they were booted out in the first round by FC Platinum after succumbing to Menard Mupera’s solitary goal at Gibbo Stadium in Chiredzi.
Mambas coach John “Toto” Ncube said they will not lose their sleep over playing at Sakubva.
“It’s not an issue that Buffaloes will be at home. These are cup matches and anything can happen. I believe we are preparing well for the game and my team is raring to go. We are targeting the next stage although it won’t be a stroll in the park,” he said.
Buffaloes spokesperson Tendai Chitowa admitted that his side’s home record was poor.
“Our home record is not that good since we have collected most of our points away from home. But we will not be looking much into that because we are targeting advancing to the next stage. I believe this is a must-win encounter for us and l think the players’ morale is high after we mid-week win over Gunners,” he said.
