FCP want to shock Group of Death
FC PLATINUM coach Lizwe Sweswe wants his side to send shockwaves across the continent in their CAF Champions League Group of Death.
The Zvishavane side were drawn in a Group B that features former winners Al Ahly of Egypt and Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia.
Perennial campaigners Al Hilal of Sudan complete the group.
“As you can see, these are big teams. On paper, it looks like this is going to be a tough group because all these teams are teams with history,’’ said Sweswe.
“But we are in it to compete. I don’t think we are only there to add the numbers and we have to brace ourselves for the competition.
‘’Being among the top 16 teams again shows that we are coming of age as a football club.
“Our goal is to do better than what we did the last time. We have to be seen to be growing. We have travelled across Africa and I think the boys now have an idea of what to expect.
“We have seen how things are done in such competitions. I am sure the experience and exposure we have got in the previous campaigns will help us push through.’’
The group stage games are expected to start next month and will spill into next year.
FC Platinum picked just two points in the group phase in the last campaign where they were paired against the likes of Orlando Pirates, AC Horoya and eventual champions Esperance of Tunisia.
“I think Al Ahly will be the biggest challenge,’’ said Sweswe. ‘’ They have the best records compared to any team and that obviously gives them the psychological edge.
‘’But, that’s not to say that the other teams are not good.’’
Etoile du Sahel have won one CAF Champions League title, two CAF Super Cup titles, two CAF Confederation Cup titles and two African Cup Winners’ Cup.
Al Hilal, a club that Dynamos captain Edward Sadomba used to play for, are also not new to the African jungle.
Sweswe’s men are battling on three fronts, with a Domestic Double still within sight.
The platinum miners progressed to the quarter-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup following a 4-3 penalty shoot- out victory over Chapungu at Mandava.
The game had ended goalless.
CAF Champions League draw Group A: Primeiro de Agosto (Angola), ZESCO (Zambia), Zamalek (Egypt)/Generation Foot (Senegal), TP Mazembe ( DRC)
Group B: FC Platinum (Zimbabwe), El Hilal (Sudan), Etoile du Sahel ( Tunisia), Al Ahly (Egypt)
Group C: Atletico (Angola), USM Alger (Algeria), Sundowns (South Africa), Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco)
Group D: Raja Casablanca ( Morocco), JS Kabylie (Algeria), AS Vita Club ( DRC), Esperance ( Tunisia) Senior Sports Reporter
CAPS United have said winning the Castle Lager championship is all that matters for them this season.
The Green Machine opened a fivepoint lead at the top last week and their coach Darlington Dodo yesterday said their focus was on grabbing the big one.
They host Hwange at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
“We are actually better than last week, in terms of playing personnel, because we have got some players who were out through injuries but are now back,’’ said Dodo.
“I think we are good to go. It is very important ( to maintain the momentum). We have been preaching this same gospel to the players.
“One good thing about these players is that they know what they want to achieve and you can tell by the way they perform their duties in training and the spirit in the game.
“I am very positive we will not take this game against Hwange lightly. We will give it our best.
“We have to keep grinding results and forget about what is happening elsewhere.
“We need to play our games. By so doing, I think, we will enhance our chances of achieving what we want to achieve.’’
Defending champions FC Platinum, who host Yadah at Mandava tomorrow, and Chicken Inn, are also firmly in the race.
The Gamecocks could cancel out each other with Black Rhinos at the giant stadium.
The Green Machine were this week boosted by the return of skipper Hardlife Zvirekwi and Clive Rupiya from injuries.
Veteran Method Mwanjali, who has been one of the league’s best players this season, is also available for selection after missing the 2- 1 win at Mushowani.
But midfielder Kudzanayi Nyamupfukudza and Justice Jangano are out because of suspension.
Exciting young forward, Kelvin Ndebele, could also be rested this weekend as a precaution.
He limped off the pitch after scoring the opening goal in the win at Trojan.
“The boy was not playing regularly so he is bound to suffer from fatigue in his muscles,’’ said Dodo.
“Football is a pressure game. Whether you are at the bottom like Yadah, at the top like us or in the middle like Dynamos, there is always pressure but it all depends on how you manage it.’’
Fixtures Tomorrow: Harare City v Mushowani Stars (Rufaro) Black Rhinos v Chicken Inn ( NSS)
Highlanders v Tel One (Barbourfields) Manica Diamonds v ZPC Kariba Vengere)
FC Platinum v Yadah (Mandava)
Ngezi Platinum v Dynamos (Baobab)
Sunday: CAPS United v Hwange ( NSS)
Bulawayo Chiefs v Triangle United (Luveve) Chapungu v Herentals (Ascot)