adminPaul Mundandi in NAIROBI, Kenya
SOFAPAKA coach Sam Timbe has warned FC Platinum that this game was still alive despite losing the first leg of the Caf Confederation Cup preliminary round tie at home to FC Platinum yesterday.
Timbe, whose team fell 1-2 at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium, said the Kenyans were determined to turn the tables against the platinum miners at Mandava.
“We are not giving up because they not the untouchables. Simba (of Tanzania) once turned the tables and won 6-0 after losing at home,” said Timbe.
“Beating FC Platinum in Zimbabwe will not be a miracle but all I know is it can be done. Football is not a one-match event. It’s just a pity that we created chances but failed to convert them.”
Brian Muzondiwa and Donald Ngoma, who had boldly told The Herald on Thursday that he was going to score, were on target for the Zimbabwean side.
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza was happy with the win after being frustrated by their hosts in the build-up to this match.
“I can no longer complain of bad treatment in Africa. This is Africa, we expected that but we know why we were here and our focus was on the game,” said Mapeza.
“The weather was not as bad as had we had expected. It’s actually hotter in Zvishavane than it is here.”
Sofapaka general manager Andrea Mencarelli said he was impressed by the high level of organisation demonstrated by their Zimbabwean opponents.
“I was impressed with the whole team, not individuals. They play as a unit and they are very dangerous from midfield to their attack.
Their management is very organised and I think they must be ranked amongst the best organised clubs in Africa. We hope that when we come to Zimbabwe, if we win or if we lose, their fans will clap hands for us,” he said.
Online Reporter