Sofapaka’s mission impossible

Sofapaka’s Fiston Abdul (left) challenges Francis Tinzai of Platinum FC during their preliminary match of the African Confederation Cup at Nyayo Stadium on February 5, 2015. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • This task has been classified as ‘feasible’ by Sofapaka’s most experienced player, John Barasa, despite the glaring fact that victory today would be the first result of that kind away from home on continental duty for Sam Timbe’s men in the club’s history.
  • The hosts are equally confident of finishing the job. Platinum Stars’  head coach Norman Mapeza was quoted by Zimbabwean daily New Zimbabwe as saying only complacency would stop his side from seeing off the opposition ahead of the contest set for the 15,000-seater Mandava Stadium.
  • The Sofapaka contingent of 25 players and five officials was set to arrive in the Zimbabwean mining town of Zvishivane in Midlands Province, the venue of today’s match, yesterday at around 8pm Kenyan time.

The build-up to Saturday’s Africa Confederation match between Sofapaka FC and Zimbabwe’s FC Platinum has been overshadowed by a soft banter between the two clubs.

The Kenyan domestic cup holders need to win the match by two clear goals to make up for the 2-1 loss they suffered against the same opponents in the first leg fixture of the preliminary round match played in Nairobi a fortnight ago.

A draw of any nature will see the hosts through to the first round of the tournament.

This task has been classified as ‘feasible’ by Sofapaka’s most experienced player, John Barasa, despite the glaring fact that victory today would be the first result of that kind away from home on continental duty for Sam Timbe’s men in the club’s history.

“They were lucky to get that win because from my assessment, these two teams are on the same level. What I am almost certain of is that they will not be as lucky this time round” the former Kenyan international who scored in the league over the weekend predicted.

The hosts are equally confident of finishing the job. Platinum Stars’  head coach Norman Mapeza was quoted by Zimbabwean daily New Zimbabwe as saying only complacency would stop his side from seeing off the opposition ahead of the contest set for the 15,000-seater Mandava Stadium.

Platinum forwards Brian Mundoziwa and Donald Ngoma’s interchange of play and finishing abilities should be Sofapaka’s main cause of worry in this game.

In response, Barasa, Fiston Razak and Enock Agwanda will need to be more ruthless in front of goal if Sofapaka are to defy the home crowd, especially if the trio is gifted half the chances created in the first leg.

“Our coach has warned us against complacency. Otherwise we are good to go after some good preparations and looking ahead to finish the job,” he said

The Sofapaka contingent of 25 players and five officials was set to arrive in the Zimbabwean mining town of Zvishivane in Midlands Province, the venue of today’s match, yesterday at around 8pm Kenyan time.

This would be eight hours after leaving Nairobi.

The team took a four-hour flight to the country’s Capital Harare and were to take another hour-long flight to the town located to the West of Zimbabwe.