Platinum seek golden win against Etoile

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Dec 07, 2019. 10:00

Zimbabwe side FC Platinum will hope to get their CAF Champions League campaign back on track when they host Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel at the Barbourfields Stadium on Saturday.

The teams had contrasting openings to their campaigns, with Platinum going down 2-1 to Sudanese side Al Hilal, and Etoile defeating powerful Al Ahly 1-0 at home.

Platinum coach Lizwe Sweswe says his side must adapt to the quality of the competition and as they are now involved in the pool stages for the second year running, should know what to expect.

“We are now competing for the second time at this stage of the competition, having competed for the first time last season and every player now knows what is expected of him, that experience will come in handy,” Sweswe was quoted by The Herald.

“On paper they might be highly-rated but football has changed a lot over the past years and we have learnt a lot in previous games.

“What is important is how we play not how our opponents play, yes, we have some knowledge about them and have prepared for their approach but we are not going to let that derail us from our own style of play.

“What is key is that we concentrate on our own game plan and, as a coach, I believe in attacking football.”

Etoile coach Juan Carlos Garrido urged his side to show their qualities and live up to their status as one of the top teams on the continent.

“We are a very big and top club in Africa and victory is always key to us and we want to get that,” he said.

“We are here to work and have a very good game, we are looking forward to getting maximum points because our supporters always demand that, so we always play to win.’’

The match comes at a tricky time for Platinum , who are also involved in the title race in Zimbabwe, where they trail leaders CAPS United by two points, with two rounds remaining.