eBusiness Weekly
Chipo Sabeta
After failing to pocket maximum points in their opening games, FC Platinum go into their third match against Horoya knowing exactly what they must do to keep their chances of progressing to the quarter-finals of the Total CAF Champions League alive.
The Zvishavane-based side ventured into unchartered territory for the first time with a draw against Orlando Pirates on home ground after losing 2-0 to Esperance in Group B.
However, FC Platinum will be banking on home advantage when they host the 16-time Guinean champions at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow with both sides eyeing their first win.
Tied on a point each, any winner from tomorrow’s game will have a possible contention to qualify for the quarter-finals of the tournament.
The Zimbabwe champions are yet to find the target in the last two matches after playing to a goalless draw against 1995 winners Orlando Pirates in their opening game before falling 0-2 to defending champions.
Despite history, making the hosts the underdogs tomorrow FC Platinum will be pinning their hopes to grind positive results at home. FC Platinum were ultra-defensive, trying to minimise damage and gaffer Norman Mapeza sees a possibility to turnaround their fortunes with four matches remaining.
“I don’t think we are out of the race. This is early in the competition. We will get back on track, there are four more games to play,” he said.
Mapeza is also keen to break the curse in Africa Safari marred with early exit, in their three-time campaigned in Africa.
The reigning coach of the year is still to find the best striking combination since the departure of Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year Rodwell Chinyengetere.
They also have an uphill task in their quest to reach the quarter-finals due to the absence of key defender Elvis Moyo, who is serving a one-match ban.
The Guinea opponents have been in the country for the past week and Horoya AC managing director Amadou Bangoura, who is leading the delegation, said they came early to acclimatise and to prepare for nothing short of victory.
“The reason we are here is simple, we come from Guinea which is too far from Zimbabwe. So if we want to be efficient, we must come early to prepare for our match set for next Saturday. This is the biggest and most important match for all of us at HAC.”
Meanwhile, Algerian officials Mustapha Ghorbal (33) will handle the match.
He will be assisted by Abdelhah Etchiali and Mokrame Gourari, with Boukhalfa Nabil as the fourth official.
Patrick Kangwa from Zambia is the match commissioner and South African Jerome Damon is the referees’ assessor.
The general co-ordinator of the match will be Sidio Jose Mugadza from Mozambique, while Ugandan Dixon Okello will be in charge of security.
Gate charges for the encounter have been maintained at $5 for the rest of the ground, $10 for the wings and $20 for the VIP.
In their last encounter against Orlando Pirates, 23 164 fans paid to watch the encounter.
Zimbabwe Football Association and FC Platinum have also upped their game in terms of preparation in a bid to avoid the chaotic scenes that occurred when they played Orlando Pirates.
Organisers appeared overwhelmed by the huge turnout as fans faced access chaos and scores of people carrying complimentary tickets and privilege cards were forced to make a u-turn.
The Zvishavane-based side will then travel to Conakry 11 days later to take on Horoya at the Stade du 28 Septembre.
CAF CL Group B fixtures
FC Platinum v Horoya AC (BF, 3pm)
Orlando Pirates v Esperance (Orlando Stadium)
