Ravens up to task of outplaying Spain FC, says coach
Despite knowing little about their opponents, Bizana-based Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe side FC Ravens believe they are capable of pummelling their third division counterparts, Spain FC, in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 fixture at the Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban on Saturday.
The club’s head coach, Sibusiso Mapompo, described North West outfit Spain as a “closed book” but remains confident in his team’s ability.
“They are a closed book because they play in another province.
“Though we play in the same division [but in different regions], it will not be easy,” Mapompo said.
“It is not like playing a team from the Eastern Cape where you know everything about them.”
But former Jomo Cosmos and Mthatha Bucks striker Mapompo said they had gathered some handy information from sources within the North West league where Spain have struggled for form.
After nine matches, the NW outfit has only gathered 11 points.
“We have analysts from that province who have been sending us information on their style of play.
“They are a side that likes to keep position throughout and based on that info we have made plans for them,” he said.
Mapompo said some of his personnel were going to be unavailable for the clash due to injury but concealed their identities.
It is the first time Ravens will contest one of Africa’s biggest cup competitions after they manoeuvred their way through qualification in 2023.
They are the fifth Eastern Cape team from the third-tier league after Tornado (2014, 2018), EC Bees (2015, 2016 and 2017), Amavarara (2019 and 2022) and Sinenkani (2021).
Ravens find themselves having to play in uncharted territory after the Premier Soccer League rejected the club’s proposal for the game to be played at the Mthatha Stadium and home league stadium Mphutumi Mafumbatha.
The PSL said both venues were not up to the required standards.
“Playing in Durban has not had a major effect mentally and in our preparation, it will still feel like a home match on the day because our fans will travel from Bizana,” Mapompo said.