Bandari braced for Horoya CAF Confed Cup challenge

Bandari FC head coach Bernard Mwalala believes his charges have what it takes to overcome Guinean giants Horoya AC after the two were paired to clash in the CAF Confederation Cup playoffs.

Horoya will host the Kenyan domestic cup holders in the first leg on October 27 at the Stade 28 Septembre, Conakry Stadium with the return leg set for a week later in Nairobi.

Mwalala admitted Horoya’s continental credentials, which includes an African Cup Winner’s Cup gold medal, means they are no pushovers but the tactician says their own steady progression is a sign they are ready for any opposition.

Mwalala, who has guided the Dockers to their first ever stage in their bid to advance to the group stages of the Caf confederation is confident his boys have gained a lot of exposure that could be vital to knock out the Guinean 2018 league one Pro Champions.

“Of course we are not familiar to them but we have no fears right now. They are a good side but my boys are ready to fight. I had mentally prepared them to be ready for any opponent who will come away because at this stage you have to be ready for anyone. The most important thing is to go through and we are looking towards that,” Mwalala said.

He urged his boys to stay focused on their next league assignment as they look to get back to winning ways in the domestic matters having suffered their first defeat to the season in the hands of Sofapaka .

Bandari who will fly to Tanzania on Friday to honour a friendly match against Tanzania giants Simba SC on Saturday will host Chemelil Sugar at Mbaraki Sports Club after the international break and the coach has an eye on the match.

“For now our focus is on Chemelil at home.After that then we can switch to Horoya. Most of my players are fit and ready for selection and that is a surplus as a coach. However we are still doing a thorough research on Horoya,” Mwalala added.

Bandari have already knocked out Al Shandy and USB Guardane of Tunisia and as the tactician insists, ‘bring it on’ ,anything can happen in the two legged tie.

The Coastal-based have made some notable progress under the stewardship of Mwalala, guiding the side to a second league finish in the past two seasons.