Msendami relishes Pirates tie

DANIEL Msendami, a player for the Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana, has stated that his team’s match against the Orlando Pirates of South Africa in the CAF Champions League will be one of the biggest days of his life.

Last year, his team won the Botswana Premier League and advanced to the continent’s premier club competition where they will face Pirates in the second and final preliminary round.

“Winning the league with the team last season was a very big moment in my life. Playing the Champions League is a childhood dream and it has become an even bigger moment in my life. The game on Saturday is not going to be easy obviously as they are in fine form but regardless of the result, it will be a very big moment of my life especially if I manage to get some minutes on the field,” said Msendami.

The deft winger also suggested that his team can take advantage of the fact that their opponents are returning from the international break.

“They have not been together as many have been representing their national teams and it is something that we can use to our advantage. It does not make much of a difference though because we have not been involved in competitive action as our season has not yet started,” he said.

Msendami, who was at Highlanders FC, had a memorable first season in Botswana. He scored eight and assisted eleven. He also won multiple game-winning honours.

“My life in a space of one year has changed a lot. I have had so many ups and downs in my life. There was a time when I found myself playing Division One football in Gwanda trying to fend for my family but I can say that patience and hard work made me reach where I am right now,” said Msendami.

He and his fellow countrymen Nqobizitha Masuku and Cleopas Dube at Galaxy will play their first match against the Soweto giants today at the National Stadium in Gaborone and the second leg will be played next week in South Africa.