Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
GABORONE United’s Zimbabwe defender Tatenda Gora is defiant ahead of his team’s daunting CAF Champions League return leg assignment against serial Tanzania football kings Simba SC.
Tasked with overturning a 1-0 deficit on hostile ground, Gaborone United face a formidable challenge, but Gora is fuelled by a unique personal incentive.
Gaborone United travel to Tanzania with their continental ambitions hanging by a thread after a narrow first-leg loss.
The prospect of conquering Simba in their own stadium appears a herculean task, yet Gora remains undaunted.
For the Zimbabwean defender, the match represents more than just a climb back into the tie.
Having made his Champions League debut in the first leg, Gora is now presented with a critical opportunity to likely face his countrymen at Simba Bhora.
But that is only if Gaborone United can stage a major upset in Tanzania.
Simba Bhora are this year’s Zimbabwe representative and are enjoying a slight 1-0 lead going into the second round against Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs set to be played in Swaziland.
As it stands, the second preliminary stage seems to favour the two Simbas.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports, Gora said he is grateful to have the opportunity to play in the biggest club tournament.
“I feel grateful and blessed to have such opportunities in a lifetime that brings in this kind of experience in my career.
“I found myself matching very well in this top-class level of football hence I give credit to my coaches and colleagues for believing in me that I can.”
“Now we have to win the return leg at any cost. We don’t care about the score-line but we have to be on top of the situation at the end of the day.
“We saw what we have to do and now it’s up to us to go and tackle the challenges.”
On the possibilities of facing Simba Bhora. Gora said it will hit differently.
“It’s a different feeling to play against your home team in such competitions especially after a quite lengthy time of not being involved in local football,” he said.
