The Sunday Mail
Sikhumbuzo Moyo in OWANDO, Congo Brazzaville
FC Platinum troop into the Stade Marien Ngouabi with nothing on their mind but a positive result.
Mapeza’s men face AS Otoho in the Total Caf Champions League first round, first leg encounter this afternoon.
Speaking soon after their first training session at the match venue yesterday, Mapeza said the is raring to go; this despite the mishaps that have marred the Zimbabwean Champions’ camp from the time of their arrival in Congo Brazzaville on Thursday.
“We have had our training sessions here and I feel the pitch is in a good condition.
“We know the challenges we will face tomorrow, because this is football, but we are prepared.
“We have to get a result at all costs, I repeat we have to get a result,” said the reigning Coach of the Year.
Asked what kind of a result will be satisfactory to him, Mapeza bodly declared that any outcome other than a defeat.
“We need any outcome, a draw of any scoreline or even an outright win will be okay with us” he said.
“Defeat is not in our minds but that is not to say it’s going to be easy for us as has been reported in the media,” said Mapeza.
From yesterday’s training session, Pure Platinum is likely to apply a 3-5-2 formation, with Lawrence Mhlanga and William Stima partnering defence rock, Gift Bello.
In the midfield, it looks like Elvis Moyo and Gift Mbweti will operate from the flanks, dropping when under attack but going forward in offence.
Tried and trusted Devon Chafa, Kelvin Madzongwe and Pasca Madhanhanga will complete the midfield line whose sole purpose will be to feed the striking duo of outgoing Soccer Star of the year Rodwell Chinyengetere and newboy Nhamo Lameck, who was acquired from Triangle United.
Mapeza will hope that his boys do not find the weather too challenging as high temperatures are expected, with the forecast suggesting they might soar to 32 degrees celcius.
The match will be handled by Togolese referees who will be under the watchful eye of a referees’ assessor was specifically sent by Caf.
AS Otoho knocked out Angolan giants Agosto on the away-goals rule, while Pure Platinum brushed aside the challenge of Malagasy side, CNaps.
