Orapa ready for DeMbare

Eddie Chikamhi

Senior Sports Reporter

BOTSWANA side Orapa United are doing everything in their power to prevail over Dynamos in the battle for the ticket to a dream CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

Orapa made their intentions clear this week when they signed West African utility player Ballie ‘BK’ Kamara ahead of the decisive back-to-back second round tie set for the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown.

The first leg will be played this Sunday with Orapa United the home team. But the roles will be reversed a week later at the same venue, where Dynamos will technically be the home team.

Orapa United kick-started their final week preparations by announcing the signing of Kamara from Sierra Leone. The robust defensive midfielder, who is also comfortable as a fullback, is expected to be available for selection for the DeMbare game.

“The former FC Kalon and FC Johansen player brings valuable experience to our squad, having played last season for Bea Mountain FC in Liberia,” said a statement from Orapa United.

“Known for his tenacity and adaptability, BK is expected to make an immediate impact as he becomes available for selection this weekend when Orapa United takes on Dynamos FC from Zimbabwe.”

Orapa United qualified for the second-round courtesy of a 3-1 aggregate win over Foresters FC of Seychelles while Dynamos edged Zambian perennial campaigners ZESCO United in the preliminary round.

The Botswana side’s Media and Marketing Officer Emmanuel Seiphetho told a local radio station that they were not leaving anything to chance.

Orapa United, who were previously coached by former Dynamos son Taurai Mangwiro until December last year, have recently announced the arrival of a new expatriate coach Dimitar Nikolaev Pantev from Bulgaria.

Pantev previously coached at FC Victoria United in the Cameroonian topflight league and steered the club to championship glory.

DeMbare are expected to leave for Botswana tomorrow.