NAIROBI, Kenya, March 7 – AFC Leopards forward Jacob Keli, is upbeat his side will overturn the 2-0 deficit when they welcome Premier Soccer League (PSL) side SuperSport United for their CAF Confederations Cup first round return leg on Sunday at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.
“We have a difficult match ahead on Sunday, so I’m urging my colleagues to work hard and I’m certain we will qualify for the second round since we have a formidable team.
“From what I observed in our first leg, they are not a strong team, they only overpowered us since most of our key players were missing out with injuries, but I’m happy they will be available this weekend,” last season’s league top scorer told Capital Sport.
Matatsantsa arrived on Friday with Leopards resolving the February salaries non-payment issue with Secretary General, George Aladwa, confirming money has been disbursed to their bank accounts.
He explained the delay was due to change of signatory after the death of their treasure Remi Mudi, that saw assistant Esther Luvembe, inherit on acting capacity.
“The process had to be delayed because we had to counter check the balance sheet since Luvembe, had to know where the late Mudi had reached for the purpose of accountability.
“But as we are speaking each of them have received their dues, it will depend on where they bank, some got earlier and others my delay,” Ingwe spokesperson confirmed on Friday.
Aladwa however, urged fans to turn up in large numbers and rally behind their team since that’s the only way they can beat SuperSport.
“This is the time that our players need us more. We should give them morale and I’m sure they will do us proud.”
Coach James Nandwa, will have all his key charges at his disposal for the first time since they launched their continental campaign after injured forward Noah Wafula and midfielder Peter Opiyo, who missed the first leg since his travel documents were being held by the embassy of the country he had gone for trials, will be available on Sunday.
“Wanga is still struggling with his knee injury. We will have to examine him on Saturday to see if he will be able to play.
“We will approach the game with attacking mind, opening the game and at the same be conscious not to concede,” Nandwa stated.
On the other hand the visitors have their full squad that did duty in the first leg led by danger man, Senegalese forward Mame Niang, Bafana Bafana keeper Williams Ronwen, and midfielder David Mathebula.
Ingwe have an up hill task ahead since they need to score three goals and keep a clean sheet in order to progress to the second round.