Stars take heart in failed mission
Khunou wants to implement what Dikwena learnt
While Platinum Stars’ hopes of qualifying for the knockout phase of the CAF Confederation Cup look dim, Dikwena youngster Katlego Khunou believes that what they are learning from the round-robin stage will help them in the upcoming domestic campaign.
After their 1-1 draw against Tunisian side Sfaxien on Wednesday, Stars’ chances of qualifying for the next phase are very slim.
They are bottom of Group B with only two points, six behind leaders Mouloudia from Algerian. Only two teams advance to the knockout stage.
To qualify for the quarter-finals, Dikwena need to collect six points from their last two games against Mouloudia and Mbabane Swallows respectively, and pray that Sfaxien lose both of their’s .
However, Khunou, who scored in Stars’ first match against Mouloudia at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium last month, hopes that playing in the continent’s second-tier competition has helped the club gain valuable experience.
“When you play in tournaments such as this [Confederation Cup] you grow as a player. We have been learning a lot playing against African teams.
“On the continent clubs are more physical but very disciplined. You must be strong to compete there.
“We are taking those lessons to the Premiership,’’ Khunou said yesterday.
Despite playing only one league game in his first season, the 19-year-old defender is optimistic that he will consolidate his place in the starting 11 this forthcoming season.
“This was my first season and I think I’ve settled in well. I look forward to cementing my place in the starting 11.
“For now I dream about playing more games. I would like to play in Europe in the next few seasons,’’ said the Lefaragatlha, North West-born, centreback. Stars’ next Confederation Cup fixture is in Algeria against Mouloudia next Friday.