Complacency might work against GU

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

Once again, the Reds will have to guard against complacency arising from their sensational elimination of fancied South African giants, Orlando Pirates from CAF Champions League given that they face a side campaigning in the First Division. That historic feat was followed last weekend by a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Extension Gunners and complacency is thought to have played a part. Yesterday, Chabinga admitted that his boys might be carried away by their CAF Champions League success.

'Complacency is inevitable. When the boys get praise even from the media, they get carried away. But we can't afford to treat Fighters lightly, they are a good side that is why they have gone this far in the competition,' Chabinga said. He explained that with chances of defending their Premier League title severely diminished, their focus is on reaching the group stages of the CAF Champions League and winning the Coca-Cola Cup.

Chabinga said their weekend loss to Gunners is behind them. He attributed the loss to injuries to key players who might line-up against Fighters if they recover in time.

Attacking midfielder, Sageby Sandaka (knee), striker Wellington Maposa (groin), goalkeeper, Raphael Nthwane and Vincent Phiri (ankle) will have to pass late fitness tests. Even without these stars, GU should still have enough fire-power to knock-out Fighters. Though they lost a number of players after their demotion from the Premier League, Fighters are no pushovers.

They will look up to veterans, Charles Mositwane, Barney Marman, exciting Albert Podile and Tumo Selogamaano. Focus will be on former Fighters' winger, Mandla Mgadla who made an off-season switch to GU. Mgadla might haunt his former side as he has been in good form of late.

Fighters is the only First Division side remaining in the Coca-Cola Cup. Though past winners of the cup, the Mogoditshane side has fallen on hard times and are fighting to return to the Premier League. But they have had a good run in the Coke Cup, even beating Premier League side, Police XI.