Acting Yanga head coach Patrick Mabedi says his players are ready for the second-leg match to fight for a ticket into the CAF Champions League group stage against Malawi’s Silver Strikers.
Tomorrow, Saturday at 5 p.m., Yanga will host Silver Strikers at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium needing only one type of result — a victory — to qualify for the group stage.
Speaking at a press conference earlier today, outlining preparations for the match, Mabedi said they have had time to prepare and that the morale and spirit among his players is high, with big expectations going into the match.
Mabedi acknowledged the huge pressure surrounding the match but said that as a coach it is his job to deal with such environments and overcome that pressure.
“We started our camp on Tuesday after our first match against Silver Strikers in Malawi. The players have prepared well and there is great energy, motivation and spirit among them heading into this important match.”
“In football every match comes with pressure and we live with that pressure. We know there is even greater pressure from our fans, but what matters tomorrow is to perform well and advance so that we remove that pressure. All players are prepared and ready to fight for the badge of our club.”
“Tomorrow we have to attack — we must not sit back. Our opponents are already ahead by a goal and we must ensure we win tomorrow so we advance. That is the truth and there is no other way,” Mabedi said.