Ngodzo rallies FC Platinum

Champions League first round match at Rufaro this afternoon.
On paper, this is a David versus Goliath affair considering the establishments of the two sides, with Merreikh, who are one of the oldest clubs in Africa, now taking part in their 19th campaign.
The reigning Sudanese champions, also known as the Red Devils back home, made their intentions clear upon arrival this week when they promised their hosts a hiding.
But Ngodzo, spurred on by the strong start they made in the preliminary round, yesterday refused to be intimidated by the visitors’ profile and said Kugona Kunenge Kudada are ready to get a positive result.
The platinum miners, who are virtually new to the challenges in continental football, sounded serious warning shots across the continent when they beat Green Mamba home and away for an 8-2 aggregate victory.
Ngodzo however reckons past achievements will not guarantee them success as they have to work hard in all the games.
“Whatever happened in the preliminary round is now water under the bridge because we take each game as it comes,” said Ngodzo.
“This is a new assignment altogether and both teams are faced with the same challenge starting in this first leg match, but as FC Platinum we are looking forward to play to the best of our ability.
“Obviously, as a team that begins at home we are looking forward to scoring at least more than one goal here and avoid conceding so that there will be less pressure in the return leg.
“But to me, starting at home or away is not the most important thing. What is crucial is to get positive results.”
This is not the first time Ngodzo has faced the Sudanese outfit and said FC Platinum should not expect an easy outing this afternoon.
The last time Merreikh were in Zimbabwe they beat Highlanders 2-0 at Gwanzura and then completed their mission with a 3-1 victory in the return leg in Sudan to progress to the third round of the 2008 Confederation Cup.
Merreikh, who are under Brazilian coach Heron Ricardo Ferreira, brought a strong team, which includes five foreign professionals, and they said they were here for a win.
Players to look out for in the squad are the twin strikers Kelechi Osunwa of Nigeria and Zambian Jonas Sakuwaha.
The duo has dominated the Sudanese league Golden Boot winning it four times between them in the last six seasons.
Sakuwaha finished as the top goal scorer last year with 19 goals while the Nigerian Osunwa was the top marksman in 2009.
He also won the accolade in 2007 and 2008 while at Al Hilal.
Their captain Faisal Agab is a regular member of the Sudan national team with 91 international caps.
“We once played this team when I was still at Highlanders but things change in football,” said Ngodzo.
“This is probably a much different team from the one that we played.
“Of course, from the information that we have they are a good side, and we are too.
“At the end of the day the better team will win. As for us, everyone in the camp is focused and raring to go.”
Besides Donald Ngoma, who hurt his ankle in the Bob ’88 Super Cup final against Hwange last month, FC Platinum are expecting a clean bill of health.
However, there were concerns over forwards Michelle Katsvairo and Charles Sibanda but the duo trained with the team yesterday and were expected to pass a late fitness test.
The technical team expressed confidence in their team and little changes could be done to the team that finished the preliminary round with flying colours.
Experienced defender Norman Togara, who missed the opening assignment, could be vying for a place in the team after he was included in the final 18.
Coach Rahman Gumbo and his technical side are likely to keep faith in such players as Tafadzwa Dube, Allan Gahadzikwa, Charles Sibanda, Daniel Veremu, Joel Ngodzo, Qadr Amini and Ali Sadiki who have been splendid in the team colours this year.
But the options are not limited as they also have capable players like Rowan Nenzou, Thabani Kamusoko, Welcome Ndiweni, Cabby Kamhapa and Gilbert Banda.
FC Platinum had wanted to host the match at their Mandava fortress but the stadium was this week barred by Caf to host such matches since the town does not have accommodation that meets the requirements. 
“Of course, we would have loved to play on our own home conditions and to some extent Caf’s decision to ban the stadium is a blow to the team and the local community.
“But playing at Rufaro does not change the fact that El Merreikh are the away team.
“We are still at home as long as we are in Zimbabwe because most of us have played at Rufaro for a long time in our careers.
“In this case we are urging football fans to come out in their numbers and cheer the team to victory,” said Ngodzo.