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Lovemore Dube in Nairobi, Kenya
ZIMBABWE’S representatives in the Orange Confederation of African Football Confederation Cup FC Platinum yesterday failed to access the Nyayo National Stadium their venue for the preliminary round clash with Sofapaka FC at the same time with this afternoon’s tie because of another continental match.
The stadium played host to a CAF Champions League game between home side Gor Mahia and Cnaps of Madagascar. Mahia won the tie 1-0 courtesy of a first minute penalty.
Norman Mapeza, the platinum miners coach, confirmed that they did not train at the venue as is the custom. According to CAF rules the away team must train at the match venue at almost the same time as the scheduled match the following day.
Instead FC Platinum trained for almost 90 minutes at the Ruwarahara Stadium in the morning. In the evening they had another 40 minute session after the Champions League match where they loosened up and did some ball drills.
“We did not train because of the international match. So we will train after the game,” said Mapeza.
The boys looked up to the task unperturbed about the other side of African football as they went about their business in the evening seemingly undeterred.
A Kenyan journalist Timothy Okobulu of the People Daily said it was a common practice for teams to play on the same weekend in African tournaments if they are drawn to start at home on the same weekend. He said most of the city’s big guns tended to opt for the 35,000 seater Nyayo Stadium because of its proximity to most of the fans on the western side of Nairobi on the outskirts of the central business district.
“It is convenient for the supporters to get here (Nyayo Stadium). The other venues are far away from the fans,” said the journalist.
Okobulu said the match was likely to attract half of the crowd which watched the bigger Gor Mahia yesterday.
“They are a church team. They do not have a big following perhaps we will have about 2,000 fans at the stadium for the match,” said Okobulu.
Sofapaka go into the match after a tumultuous week in which they were beaten by Gor Mahia 2-1 in the Super Cup on Wednesday. Both teams were later fined by the Kenyan Football Federation who had not sanctioned the match and are embroiled in a fight with the Kenyan Premiership League over the number of teams.
The football federation wants 18 teams while the league is insisting on 16 a figure Fifa has previously said is ideal if international fixtures are to be factored in.
FC Platinum who are a good mix of experience and youth will have to keep an eye on Antony Ndolo the reigning Kenyan Footballer of the Year. He is a good artist on the field and enjoys super star status in the country and should he click and combine well with Abdul Razah the visitors could have a torrid afternoon.
Thabani Kamusoko’s defining presence in midfield will be key to the FC Platinum side’s performance this afternoon. He has been outstanding for the side over the last two years and had a clean sweep three weeks ago at the club’s awards night.
Twins Kelvin and Elvis Moyo are set to start in a defence line up that could have enterprising Raphael Muduviwa at right back with captain Aaron Katebe adding the much needed steel in central defence.
Donald Ngoma and Nelson Maziwisa are expected to lead the attack with some good flair extended to the winning bid by youngsters Emmanuel Mandiranga, Wisdom Mutasa, Tatenda Dzumbunu and Walter Musona.
The mood in the camp was one of an upbeat group looking forward to a decent showing to cushion themselves ahead of the second leg in two weeks.
The match is set for 2pm Zimbabwean time.
Head of delegation Masimba Chihowa said all was well in the camp.
The boys’ morale was raised by the arrival of sponsors resident director Peter Chimbodza, club chairman Dumisani Sisale, some executive members and supporters yesterday at 4pm.
Online Reporter