Mosimane hoping to avoid the big boys

Pitso Mosimane (right) is aiming for top spot in the Caf Champions League Group A, however, he wants to avoid the big guns in the quarterfinals as the group winners will be set aside from the runners-up.

When the draw for the last eight is conducted, the Masandawana mentor is hoping to be in the same company as continental powerhouses Esperance, TP Mazembe and record-holders Al Ahly.

“At the end of the day you want to finish as No 1 because those teams are going to be put on one side and all the teams who finish second are on the other side.

“History tells you that it is either Wydad (Casablanca) or Sundowns who are probably going to finish on top, but we can’t say that until we finish because it can go either way.

“But history says Al Ahly are going to finish at the top and either Orlando Pirates or Esperance will also finish top. TP Mazembe could also do so,” said Mosimane, who wants to avoid these giants at all costs.

“I want to be on the side where I don’t have TP Mazembe, Al Ahly, Pirates or Esperance. I am happy to be there because you are going to play against the other people.”

Downs’ next assignment in the competition is a visit from Nigerian side Lobi Stars, who sprang a surprise when they beat the Brazilians 2-1 in Enugu.

“I thought we were going to win against Lobi, but we need to win here against Lobi so that when we go to Casablanca we are not looking for a result and we play stress free, that is the way it is.

“That is the plan and I think “Micho” (Pirates coach) would tell you the same thing. I am happy that we beat Wydad and ASEC here, that was very important,” he said.