Cautious Matano wary of Caf draw

Fiery head coach Robert Matano has warned AFC Leopards that there is no such thing as an easy fixture in the CAF- Confederation Cup after being paired with Fosa Juniors of Madagascar following Wednesday’s draw in Cairo, Egypt.

According to Matano, the most important aspect of the competition is to sail past the preliminaries before plotting their next assault, as every team is geared for the tough tests that beckons.

“When teams are drawn in any competition, there is no small or big team, therefore we must treat each opponent with respect ,”Matano said.

The former Sofapaka and Tusker FC coach has however called upon the Leopards executive committee to accord them proper preparations before they start the international campaign.

“Good preparation is the key to better performance. I’m in the process of signing and up to now I have already signed five foreigners; one each from Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Burundi and Zanzibar,” Matano, popularly known as ‘The Lion’ in football confines, claimed.

Though Matano would relish the prospect of delving-deep in the transfer market, he is held back by his contractual situation. His engagement with the club runs out at the end of the month and the parties are yet to agree on new terms.

“We have not talked about the new contract and so I have not signed any .I’m however focusing on bolstering my squad,”Matano added.

Ingwe’s last continental appearance was in 2014 when they were eliminated at the first round of the Caf- Confederations Cup by South Africa’s Supersport United.

With time though the Leopard has lost its spot and Matano, well versed with the nostalgic days wants to re-write history.

The big cats will face the Madagascar Cup winners between February 9 and 11 for the first leg of the preliminary stage, and Matano has backed his charges to go a step better.

Ingwe will host the first leg with the return fixture traditionally played two weeks later.

Should they sail past the preliminaries, Ingwe will face Ngazi Sport of Comoros or AS Port-Louis 2000 in the first round.