Moroka Swallows will be without their goalscoring talisman Siyabonga Nomvethe when they host Caps United of Zimbabwe in their African Confederations Cup second-leg second round clash at the Rand Stadium on Saturday.
Nomvethe, who scored the all important away goal in the 1-1 draw played in Harare two weeks ago, is suspended for this match.
“We will miss Nomvethe who has been in outstanding form but there are other strikers ready to come to the party,” said assistant coach Zeca Marques.
“We have a number of players ready to take up the challenge.”
Zeca and head coach Zobel Rainer will have the services of Shaun Haschick who has returned to duty after a lengthy injury, David Radebe, Collins Mbesuma and Lungisani Ndlela to fill in for the suspended former Bafana Bafana star Nomvethe.
Zeca said that the aim was for the Birds to raise their profile in Africa.
“Playing in Africa has been a tremendous experience for the players. The fact we are close to the quarterfinals is a huge motivation in itself. But just being part of a major continental competition is a big motivation for the players.
“The players enjoyed playing in Zimbabwe where we had a positive experience and were made welcome by the locals. It was good for the players to see other cultures and different styles of football. This is the way for players to grow.”
Marques said that the Birds had adapted quickly to playing on an artificial pitch in Harare.
“We only had a couple of hours to practice on the artificial turf but the boys did well and came home with a credible draw.”
But Zeca said Swallows would not be going for a 0-0 draw at home. The away goal counts double in the event of a no score draw at the Rand Stadium.
“We need to attack and make sure of out place in the next round by winning at home. We have the ability and the players to see us through.”
Meanwhile South African champions SuperSport United will face Ferrovioario de Maputo of Mozambique in their African Champions League second leg second round clash on Saturday.
United take a healthy 3-0 lead from the first leg and should coast into the third round. However, for various reasons, United coach Gavin Hunt is minus eight players who helped the club win their third successive Absa Premiership title.
United crashed out of the Telkom Knockout losing 4-1 on penalties to AmaZulu at home last weekend after the teams were tied 2-2 after extra time.
“We were never in danger against AmaZulu and should have coasted home but paid by not taking our chances. I aim to make sure we get past Ferrovioario but I am taking nothing for granted. My goal is to reach at least the quarterfinals of the Champions League,” said Hunt.
He said he would have been happier going to Maputo with a four goal cushion. But after watching the way in which a second string United outclassed the Mozambique champions at the Rand Stadium in the first leg, Hunt’s men look to be too strong even playing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd in Maputo. — Sapa