Moorosi Tsiane
BANTU coach James Madidilane says he is still hopeful that his side will pull a surprise on Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) giants AS Vita when the two sides meet on Sunday in the second leg of CAF Champions League at Setsoto Stadium.
A Matšo Matebele lost the first leg 4-1 last Sunday in Kinshasa and they need to win by a three-goal margin for them to proceed to the group stage of the continental showpiece.
Madidilane admitted that beating Vita is going will be an uphill task for his side but said anything was possible and all they need is hard work.
“It is not going to be an easy match because AS Vita have an experienced side and have played in the competition for a long time but this is football and anything can happen so all we need is to work hard and put our feet on the ground to give them a run for their money,” Madidilane said.
Madidilane also said he was wary of the need to keep a clean sheet or at least maintain a three-goal margin if they concede and he said they will have to things right on the field of play.
“The first two goals that we conceded were scored in the exact manner which we had told our players the opponents would score. From the moment we conceded those goals, everything was different because a team of AS Vita’s caliber will always hurt you.
“But I still believe in my charges that we can pull this one off and redeem ourselves. We know it is not going to be easy but it can happen depending on our application on the day. I know I have a group of players who can pull this one off,” he said.
The former Bloemfontein Celtic defender said he was however, worried about his team’s defending.
“It is a major concern that we are conceding goals and playing with big teams like AS Vita we have to be tactically disciplined so players must should stick to our game plan.
“We can score but the problem is can we score three goals and not concede? However, we have been working on our finishing as well because we created so many chances in DRC but failed to convert. It has been our challenge for a long time. Even in the league, I can’t even remember when we last scored more than two goals. We need to score to win,” he said.
The former South African international also said playing at home will give them an added advantage.
“We are playing at home so I believe my players will be more comfortable because in DRC it was too hot especially in the first half. At home we are also used to the pitch so we have to take advantage of that. We have to play to our strengths,” Madidilane said.
