SOCCER – THE stage is set for a high-stakes showdown as Royal Leopard and AS Maniema Union prepare for their clash in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round at Somhlolo National Stadium tomorrow.
With a massive E7.9 million reward at stake for qualification into the group stages, including participation fee of E1.7 million, the match promises to be nothing short of explosive.
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Leopard, who managed a 1-1 draw away in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), know that a home victory will secure their spot in the next round and the lucrative prize money that comes with it.
Royal Leopard General Manager Frank Hurube said the team was ready and motivated to deliver for the nation.
“We are looking forward to the game. We know it won’t be easy but we need to be at our best to emerge victorious. These are the matches where players have to give everything. The spirit in the camp is high and the players understand what is at stake,” Hurube said.
Meanwhile, AS Maniema Union head coach Papy Kimoto Okitankoyi is confident his side can overturn the first-leg result and advance to the group stages.
“I was not happy with the draw but the way we played showed our potential. We will come back with the qualification. We are going to fight with all we have; this match will define who we are. We are a great team and we are here to show that,” Kimoto said.
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However, the visitors’ preparations have been marred by off-field issues. Reports indicate that Maniema Union lost some of their belongings, including training equipment during their travels, only realising this upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa. Sources say the DRC club missed their scheduled training session at Somhlolo due to the missing equipment.
Confusion also reportedly arose over accommodation arrangements, with the team rejecting the hosts’ assistance and insisting on handling their own bookings.
This mix-up allegedly left players waiting on their bus for hours before finally checking in at Esibayeni Lodge.
When contacted on the issue, Hurube confirmed the visitors’ arrival but acknowledged the hurdles they faced:
“They have arrived but they had a few problems and missed their first training session,” he said. It remains uncertain whether AS Maniema Union will fully recover in time for the crucial encounter. Insiders suggest the team is considering purchasing new training equipment while waiting for some players to join them in Eswatini.
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