Sofapaka take on Zimbabweans in Caf Confederation Cup
Sofapaka skipper Felly Mulumba (left) leads teammates in celebrating a goal during a past match. Sofapaka take on Zimbabwean side FC Platinum in the Caf Confederation Cup on February 15, 2015 at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO | FILE |
What you need to know:
- Batoto ba Mungu are eager to erase the painful memories of their Champions League campaign four years ago where they narrowly missed an opportunity to advance to the group stages.
- Timbe’s boys will heavily rely on their proven striking abilities that saw them finish the 2014 as the highest goal-scoring team, with the burly Enock Agwanda, the enterprising Abdoul Fiston and the pacy Ekaliani Ndolo all fit.
Sofapaka return to the continental scene this afternoon when they take on Zimbabwe’s FC Platinum at the Nyayo National Stadium in a preliminary match of the Confederation Cup.
Batoto ba Mungu are eager to erase the painful memories of their Champions League campaign four years ago where they narrowly missed an opportunity to advance to the group stages.
Coach Sam Timbe has backed his team to beat their opponents. “Every team in this tournament deserves to be here. They all performaed well at home. However, I also believe we are a strong side. We shall give it our all and hope for the best,” Timbe said.
The 2009 Premier League champions began their season with a 2-1 loss to Kenyan champions Gor Mahia last Wednesday, but Timbe played down the result, saying the match gave them an opportunity to correct weaknesses.
“That was our first loss in preseason and I think it was a fair result because we know what to work on before Sunday,” he said.
YOUTH AND EXPERIENCE
Timbe’s boys will heavily rely on their proven striking abilities that saw them finish the 2014 as the highest goal-scoring team, with the burly Enock Agwanda, the enterprising Abdoul Fiston and Ekaliani Ndolo all fit.
Timbe will however expect their marquee signing Kevin Omondi to hit the ground running.
Their opponents, who finished fourth in the league but clinch the Domestic Cup, are known for their scoring prowess as well, and it will be upon Sofapaka’s able defence line of Felly Mulumba, Collins Shivachi and new comer Willis Ouma to thwart any possible danger.
The Midland Stars, as they are fondly referred to back home, trained at Ruaraka Stadium yesterday. They have a good mixture of youth and experienced in the squad, and coach by Norman Mapeza says that morale in the squad is high.
“There is excitement in camp. We have not travelled outside Zimbabwe since 2012 and the boys are excited and confident. We have had only one day to acclimatise and we hope for a good result tomorrow,” Mapeza told Zimbabwean online platform News Day.
