By Angela Bambala Bwalya
MTN Super League champions Power Dynamos coach Osward Mutapa says his side are fully prepared for today’s CAF Champions League first-round first-leg encounter against Sudanese giants Al Merrikh in Kigali, Rwanda.
Power Dynamos have used their time in camp to prepare for the continental assignment, completing four training sessions before holding their final session on Friday evening as they fine-tuned their tactical approach.
“So far, so good. We’ve had four good sessions. We had minus one [training session] this evening, getting ready for the game tomorrow,” Mutapa said in a pre-match interview on Friday.
The coach believes the extended time on the training ground in Kigali has given his technical team an opportunity to work extensively on the tactical aspects of the game.
“The players have been well. It’s rare that you go to a foreign country and have so many sessions. It’s good that we had as many sessions as we could, just trying to find tunes on the tactical side of it,” he added.
Mutapa says competition for places has been intense, with all 24 players in camp pushing for a starting berth.
Power Dynamos travelled to Rwanda with a 24-man squad, but four players will have to watch the match from the stands, while several others were left behind.
“Everyone is looking good and trying to push to be among those starting, but you know football is about numbers. We came with 24 players, but four have to be in the stands.
“But they are still part of us; others were left behind.”
The coach also confirmed that Power Dynamos have no injury concerns heading into the opening leg.
“I don’t think we have any injury worries. Everyone is fit and ready to play,” Mutapa said.
Despite Kigali experiencing high temperatures during the afternoon, Mutapa is not concerned about the conditions, with the match scheduled for an evening kick-off.
“I’m not worried. I feel the weather is good to play at that time. We’ve actually played before at that time, so we shouldn’t be worried.
“In the afternoon, it’s hot here, so playing at night when the temperatures are low is even much better.”
Mutapa has also called on Power Dynamos supporters back in Zambia to continue backing the team despite the distance.
“It’s far from here, where our fans are. We ask for them to intercede on our behalf and also support us spiritually,” he said.
Power Dynamos face Al Merrikh today in the CAF Champions League first-round first leg at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
Kick-off is at 19:00 hours Zambian time.
