Unfazed Ostriches chase CAF fairytale
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday February 10, 2017 11:19
The preliminary round first leg tie kicks of at 8pm. The return leg will be played in Lobamba, Swaziland on February 17.
United, who booked their place in the CAF competition after winning the Mascom Top 8 cup, face a 75-years-old side, a sharp contrast. Orapa are a relatively new side formed four seasons ago and have never participated in CAF competitions while Swallows are battle hardened but under-achieving with eight appearances which all ended in the preliminary round.
The young Ostriches have proven a hard nut to crack on the local scene. After receiving a timely boost of P1.5 million cash injection from Debswana for the CAF competition, Orapa would be buoyed to do better.
Their opponents come into the match bubbling with confidence after a slim 1-0 victory over Young Buffaloes in the final of the SMVAF Ingwenyama Cup pocketing 1.2 million Emalangeni (nearly P1 million).
Swallows are red hot on the domestic scene with an unbeaten run that spans as far back as May 2016. They are top of the Swaziland Premier League table with maximum points after 16 games, scoring 44 goals and conceding only seven times. Swallows are 21 points clear of defending champions, Royal Leopards.
Nonetheless, the Swallows winning streak does not faze Orapa coach Madinda Ndlovu. “They are a good team,” he said.
“We have spied on them. I watched them play in the cup semi-final and I am also aware of their record but that will not scare us. They are a great club with very good experienced players but what about the strengths of their (domestic) opponents?” he quipped.
United welcome back Ronald Chikomo and captain, Thabang Mosige who were rested over the weekend against Security Systems with minor knocks. They have also confirmed that the rest of the squad is available for selection save for the January acquisitions Gift Moyo and Nelson Moreetsi who could not be registered in time.
Despite being rookies United have in their arsenal a number of players who have international experience.
Club captain Mosige said the team has been feeding from the experiences of Ronald Chikomo and Obonye Moswate who have been exposed to big stages.
“Their experiences have come handy for the rest of the team. We have learnt a lot from them and other teammates who have competed in international games and we know what to expect and what to do to proceed to the next round of this competition. All we can ask for is our supporters to rally behind the team, otherwise we are ready to (do) battle.”
Ndlovu and his assistant, Zachariah Mudzadzi also share a wealth of experience in the CAF competitions having both participated as players and as coaches. The upbeat Ndlovu believes they will proceed to the next round.
“Obviously our preparations have been different for the CAF games. We are giving it our all. It is not going to be easy but we want to win more. The players are aware of how they should apply themselves and we are going in to leave a mark.”
The Ostriches back four will have to be awake to the challenge imposed by the Swallows attacking trio led by experienced left-winger and skipper, Tony Tsabedze.
Tsabedze is known for his inspirational performances in the Swaziland national team and his stint in South Africa’s ABSA Premiership. His partners upfront, Sabelo Ndzinisa and Sandile Hlatjwako have also been in fine form for their club this season.