Yanga head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has warned his players ahead of the second leg against Gaborone United, stressing that their opponents must not be given the opportunity to cause an upset in the CAF Champions League preliminary round.
Yanga are expected to face Gaborone United tomorrow, Saturday, in the second leg at Azam Complex, with Mngqithi fully aware of the challenge facing Wananchi.
Speaking ahead of the match, the coach urged his players to take the field with maximum concentration, explaining that Gaborone United are a capable team and have reached this stage because of their quality.
Set Pieces Are Their Weapon
Mngqithi highlighted one area where he wants his players to be particularly cautious, pointing to Gaborone United’s ability to use set pieces as well as launch counter-attacks.
He said the Botswana side has developed a system that allows them to seek results through set pieces and attack quickly whenever they get an opportunity.
“We know their quality. They are a team that plays well and uses set pieces effectively. They also rely on counter-attacks, so we need to be careful.”
The coach believes even a small lapse in concentration could cost Yanga, which is why he has urged his players to remain focused from the start until the final whistle.
Gaborone Are Not a Small Team
Mngqithi also reminded Yanga fans and players that Gaborone United are not a team to be underestimated, as they represent their country as the champions of Botswana.
He said their presence at this stage of the competition alone is enough to demonstrate that they have the ability to compete with other big teams in Africa.
“Gaborone are not a small team. We must not underestimate them in any way. They are the champions of Botswana and they are not here by accident.”
Although the match will be played on home soil, Mngqithi stressed that this should not cause his players to reduce their intensity or concentration.
The coach believes CAF Champions League matches require a high level of discipline and responsibility, regardless of whether a team is playing at home or away.
“These are big stages in African football. You face fellow champions. This is the time when you have to show your quality and demonstrate the level your team is at.”
Manqoba stressed that every minute of the match will be important and that there is no room for any player to lose concentration, even for a brief moment.
The clash against Gaborone United comes as Yanga seek to progress in their CAF Champions League campaign, a competition in which the club has performed well in recent seasons.
Yanga need to win the match to secure their place in the first round, having entered the game with an away-goal advantage following a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
