Former Chipolopolo defender Hichani Himonde has called on Power Dynamos Football Club and Red Arrows Football Club to adequately prepare for the preliminary rounds of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.
Defending champions Power Dynamos FC will face Sudanese side El Merreikh in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, while Red Arrows have been drawn against Malagasy side FC Rouge.
In an interview, Himonde said the preliminary rounds are the toughest phase of the CAF interclub competitions, noting that most clubs enter the competition with little information available about their opponents.
He said the lack of footage makes it difficult for teams to tactically prepare for their opponents during the preliminary rounds.
“What I have observed with most of the clubs in the preliminary round is the lack of footage for their matches; it can make it difficult to know how they will set up. As such, I believe the preliminary round is the most difficult and a tough phase due to the same reason,” he said.
“Some of the clubs are new in the competition and come with first-time experience, so in that case, you are equally learning about the opponents as you are facing them in a qualification. It is essential to maximize home advantage in that case.”
He, however, noted that Power Dynamos might have something to work with when preparing for their clash against the Sudanese side.
“El Merreikh is not a new club; I believe coaches at Power Dynamos are doing their best to collect as much information as they can. I believe this is going to be one of the toughest matches in this round,” he said.
Himonde also cautioned both teams against underrating their opponents.
“Even as Red Arrows take on a little-known side from Madagascar, they shouldn’t take it for granted. The players will have to account for themselves with full respect for the opponent. Football is won on the field of play, and anything can happen,” he concluded.
