City in Swaziland in quest to conquer Africa
CAPE Town City have caught a short bus journey on the start of what they hope will be the start of a long trip in the Caf Confederation Cup that gets underway this weekend.
City are in Mbabane‚ Swaziland to face Young Buffaloes today‚ the first ever African club competition game in the team’s history.
Following their 1-0 success over Bidvest Wits in the Nedbank Cup in Johannesburg on Wednesday night‚ City‚ due to flight unavailability issues‚ took a six-hour bus ride to Swaziland with the majority of that squad and some reinforcements.
Matthew Rusike‚ who scored the second-minute winner with his first touch of the ball in a City shirt on Wednesday night‚ will not be part of the match-day squad as he was signed too late to be registered for the early knockout stages of the Confed Cup.
There are likely to be returns for centreback duo skipper Robyn Johannes and Taariq Fielies‚ who were suspended for Wednesday night.
The former must sit out another game in the domestic league‚ but can play in African club competition.
Buffaloes players believe they can spring a shock‚ despite coming off a surprise home loss to lowly Moneni Pirates in their previous Swazi league fixture.
“We are going for the positive result and we believe that winning is possible. They can be a big team but not when it comes to the field of play. We are ready and let them come‚” midfielder Sandile Gamedze said.
Buffaloes were runners-up in the Swazi league last season‚ though they finished 23 points behind winners Mbabane Swallows.
They beat Matsapha United 2-0 to win the Swaziland Cup.
The side is coached by Dominic Kunene‚ while their most well-known player is skipper and Swaziland international midfielder Mphile “Nyandoro” Tsabedze.
Wits are also in action in their Champions League opener today (kickoff: 6pm) at home to Mauritian side Pamplemousse.
The return leg of both Wits’ and City’s ties will be played midweek on February 20 or 21.
Mamelodi Sundowns (Champions League) and SuperSport United (Confederation Cup) have received byes into the second round. —