Yanga harbour hopes despite Etoile pedigree

Dar es Salaam. Young Africans face an almost impossible task in the CAF Confederation Cup, but the Jangwani giants are adamant that they will cruise to the later stages of the African showpiece.

Yanga as they are popularly known sailed through to the round of eight after bundling out FC Platinum of Zimbabwe on a 5-2 aggregate on Saturday in Bulawayo.

However, the news that they will be locking horns with Etoile Sportive du Sahel of Tunisia in the next stage is already psychologically troubling.

Yanga have never in their 80 years of existence ousted a team from North Africa in any CAF-recognised championship.

Nevertheless, there is a renewed enthusiasm at the Jangwani Street with club leaders exuding confidence of breaking the longstanding jinx.

The African soccer governing body, CAF, held a draw in Cairo on Sunday night with Yanga hosting Etoile Sportive du Sahel in the first leg at the National Stadium between April 17 and 19.The second leg showdown will take place in Tunis between May 1 and 3.

Yanga secretary general Jonas Tiboroha admitted the threat that the Tunisian side poses, but remained optimistic that his club will eliminate Etoile Sportive du Sahel.

“We haven’t won our away matches, but we have learnt how to take advantage of our home ground. We are all aware of the strength of our next opponents, but the team is in great shape, so I am confident that we will go beyond this stage,” said Tiboroha.

He added: “We have very good players as compared to the past plus a professional technical bench, so I don’t see why Yanga should be fazed by the Tunisian outfit.

“Yes, they have a rich pedigree in CAF championships, but history doesn’t play, so it down to the technical bench to prepare the players psychologically. It’s our mental strength that will see us through.”

Yanga, who top the Vodacom Premier League table with 40 points, will be keeping their fingers crossed not to suffer injury blows ahead of the match.

“The team will be back to the domestic league this week and we have a couple of matches before hosting Etoile Sportive du Sahel, so let’s pray that our players stay fit,” he said.

He disclosed that Andrey Coutinho, Kpah Sherman, Jerry Tegete and Edward Charles have shrugged off their injuries and that they were faring well in full training.

Speaking after ousting Platinum, Yanga’s Dutch-born coach Hans Pluijm praised his opponents despite his convincing victory.

“They are a good side and they have quality especially going forward. It was a difficult game and we knew that when we were preparing for this match. Today we did not take our chances and we were punished.

“However, we are delighted with the fact that we have advanced and we will set our strategies depending on the strength of the next opponents,” said Pluijm.