ZIMBABWE’S only representatives in the 2015 Orange Caf Confederation Cup FC Platinum are looking to sew up the contest when they host Kenya’s Sofapaka in first round, return leg at Mandava Stadium on Saturday. BY MUKUDZEI CHINGWERE
The Kenyans are expected in the country this afternoon.
FC Platinum carry an advantage going into the encounter, following their first leg 2-1 win away at Nyayo National Stadium on February 15.
In their last preparatory match ahead of Saturday’s tie, the miners scored five goals without reply past Central Region Division One side Gweru United in Zvishavane last weekend.
The Zimbabwean side will be fancying their chances of meeting the winners between Young Africans of Tanzania and Botswana Defence Forces in the second round.
Young Africans carry a 2-0 lead going into the return leg which will be played in Botswana this weekend.
Despite carrying a comfortable lead into the match and assured to be cheered all the way by their vociferous home supporters, FC Platinum head coach Norman Mapeza is not losing focus either.
“So far so good, preparations are going on well,” said Mapeza.
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“It doesn’t matter that we now know our opponents, anything can happen even if you know your opponents. The most important thing is that you prepare yourselves well for the game and we are just doing that.”
FC Platinum boast of a clean bill of health in camp and the former Galatasaray hardman would enjoy a wide range of selection, should no one from the team pick up an injury or illness between now and match day.
There are a number of talented players who did not make the cut in the starting team away in Kenya like Aaron Katebe, Wellington Kamudyariwa, Obrey Chirwa and Nelson Maziwisa.
Their presence will no doubt give the technical department a positive headache in team selection.
Meanwhile Botswana referee Tirelo Mositwane will handle the match together with three of his countrymen while the match commissioner Lucas Johane is from Mozambique.
The first assistant would be Bakwena Simankalele and the second is Madondo Kitso Sibanda, while the fourth official is Omphile Phutego.
