Santos ready for Costa Do Sol challenge

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Friday February 12, 2010 00:00

However, the young team is determined to come back with a positive result. Yesterday, Santos’ assistant coach, George Mogopodi, speaking from Witbank, South Africa, was brimming with confidence that the Gabane side will compete against their more experienced and decorated opponents.

“Preparations are going well. Yes, I believe we have done enough but I think we have to work on a few areas before Sunday,” Mogopodi said.

Santos played to a 1-1 draw against South Africa’s First Division side, Witbank Spurs in a warm-up tie. Mogopodi said they are scheduled to play a Swaziland side but the match did not take place. He said their opponents, who have vast experience in CAF competitions, remain a closed book. “We do not know much about our opponents but at least we watched Mozambique in the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Angola. They (Costa Do Sol) had seven players in the national team,” Mogopodi said.

This should be an intimidating statistic for a Santos’ side that relies largely on youth and will miss the exploits of the attacking Thapelo Sethebethe. Boitshoko Zikhale is expected to pass a late fitness test after picking a knock.

Mogopodi said they are not going to Maputo to defend but will seek a positive result. He said they will be cautious at the back while harassing their opponents with offensive play.

Santos have potential match winners in the Ngele brothers, Mogakolodi and Godfrey and top scorer, Farisayi Nyamunamwendo. Young defender, Thato ‘Yellow’ Bolweleng should savour the big stage as he has been impressive in the past two seasons. Veteran goalkeeper, Chenjerai Dube should bring the much-needed experience to the young side. The experience of coach, Clever Hunda should be invaluable against a Costa Do Sol side favoured to win the match. Santos left South Africa to travel to Mozambique by road yesterday while hundreds of supporters were expected to depart for Maputo last night. Santos are making their maiden appearance in a CAF competition but Costa Do Sol are seasoned campaigners.

Costa Do Sol was formed in 1955 and has participated in numerous CAF competitions. The club has made 11 CAF Champions League appearances, reaching the lucrative group stage in 2002. They reached the quarterfinals of the then African Cup Winners’ Cup twice in 1996 and 1998. With their rich history, Costa Do Sol start as favourites against Santos.

But Santos will find solace in the fact that it is off-season in Mozambique and Costa Do Sol might have to shake off some rust.

Costa Do Sol finished the 2009 season third behind Ferroviaro de Maputo and Desportivo de Maputo. The club has been playing friendly matches in preparation for the Santos’ tie. Last month, the Mozambicans lost 2-1 to Mbabane Swallows of Swaziland in a friendly match at home. Santos will host Costa Do Sol in the return leg in Gaborone in a fortnight.