Ashanti FC players ponder their way back home after their clash against visiting Mtibwa Sugar suffered postponement due to water lodged National Stadium in Dar es Salaam yesterday. The teams meet today in mainland premiership league clash.
There will be no entry fee for spectators wishing to watch the Confederation of African Football (CAF) champions league match between Zanzibar's Miembeni F.C and South African Mamelodi Sundowns that kick-off at Amaan Stadium under floodlights today.According to Miembeni FC's director Amani Makungu, the decision has been reached to allow big turn up at the stadium to boost chances of the host team to post victory at home.
"We want to cheer the team in today's clash as a morale to our players and solidarity for our fans so that we don't lose at home," said Makungu.
He said victory for the home side is more important than the proceeds from gate collection.
Miembeni who have been confined in a secluded camp located in northern Zanzibar for the past ten days, are expected to stamp their authority over the visitors.
According to head coach Suleiman Mahmoud Jabir, his team is well prepared for today's clash in a bid to ease the second leg tie to be played in Pretoria a fortnight to come.
The South African champions Sundowns arrived in Zanzibar on Wednesday ahead of today's clash.
The team that boasts of four national team players who have been in Ghana during the recently concluded African Nations Cup finals, are optimistic to win the away tie.
In a bid to put their strategies on the straight line, Sundowns had secretly secured several video footages of Miembeni matches against Yanga, Ashanti and Police Zanzibar.
Players of the team and officials have been watching the tapes at their Zanzibar Beach Resort hotel since their arrival.
Miembeni head coach Mahmood said he is confident of the preparations for his players and what is left now is the showdown.
"We are through with preparations and our next hurdle is win today's match while we are patiently waiting for the kick off," said highly confident Mahmood.
He said his team has done a good job while camped at Nungwi and the products of that hard work will be exhibited in today's clash.
Mahmood said he is expecting to field a strong side in today's crucial encounter with first choice custodian Farouk Ramadhan between the goal posts.
The line up will also include among others Abdallah Mwalimu, Husein Rashid, Salum Juma, Samson Mwamanda, Azan Juma, Ibrahim Baku, Othman Omar, Amour Janja, Amri Kiemba and Khamis Mcha.
Miemebeni's forward line will certainly comprised Ramadhan Hamza 'Kidilu', Mohamed Golo, Sabri China, Ali Khani, Thomas Moris, Issa Amasha and Said Kuzu, Martin Lampert.
Mahmood added that: "We should give top priority to national solidarity for this match to ensure victory."
The best ever performance for Isles teams in Africa champions league was posted by Malindi FC several years ago. The team reached the semi final stage where they were eliminated by Tunisia's Etoile du Sahel through post match penalties. The minister for Education, Haroun Ali Suleiman is expected to be the guest of honour.
Isles representative in the Confederations Cup, Chipukizi will play host to Zambian Green Buffaloes at Gombani Stadium in Pemba tomorrow.
By Hassan Abdullah, Zanzibar
There will be no entry fee for spectators wishing to watch the Confederation of African Football (CAF) champions league match between Zanzibar's Miembeni F.C and South African Mamelodi Sundowns that kick-off at Amaan Stadium under floodlights today.
According to Miembeni FC's director Amani Makungu, the decision has been reached to allow big turn up at the stadium to boost chances of the host team to post victory at home."We want to cheer the team in today's clash as a morale to our players and solidarity for our fans so that we don't lose at home," said Makungu.
He said victory for the home side is more important than the proceeds from gate collection.
Miembeni who have been confined in a secluded camp located in northern Zanzibar for the past ten days, are expected to stamp their authority over the visitors.
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