We’re all CAPS

impressed by the quick manner in which they have been learning their ropes in the jungles of the African game.

“A guy like Phineas Bhamusi has responded well to the pressure that comes with this level of the game. It’s a learning phase for the kid and many others in the team,’’ the coach said.

‘’Of course, the approach to the game against Zamalek is too tactical for me to divulge it, but we know what we want and we know what we have to do to get what we want. We want to play with both mind and physique.

“There is no difference between the knock-out and the group stage and all we want is to compete away from home, but we have to fully concentrate and not make silly mistakes.’’

The former Zimbabwe international would have to make do without the experience of Tafadzwa Rusike in attack after the diminutive midfielder suffered a groin injury which has forced the coach not to risk him.

“Fire (Rusike) is definitely out of the game tomorrow. We don’t want to risk him because I believe he stands to give us a lot more for the future so for this game he will not participate.

“We have more important games coming up next week and we have a congested fixture that is ahead of us as soon as we return home,’’ Chitembwe said.

Rusike joins veteran striker Leonard Tsipa who has been a long-term groin injury casualty and remained home.

But Ronald Chitiyo, who has impressed playing just behind the main striker Abbas Amidu, Joel Ngodzo and Devon Chafa are fit to take to the big battle.

Zamalek have been enjoying a purple patch and this year they finally ended a long wait to beat Al Ahly in the Egyptian Super Cup by beating their old foes 3-1 on penalties.

Al Ahly had won on the four previous occasions that they met Zamalek in the Super Cup, but the White Knights turned the tables on neutral ground at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

“Zamalek are a team with great credentials and unbelievable resources, but in football it’s not all about credentials or resources, but what matters most is the right approach and your desire.

“I have been here before when we played ENNPI and football is a continuous learning process . . .”