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inter-club tournaments Mighty Wanderers and Silver Strikers say they will fight for every inch of the way as they face a date with destiny today. The Nomads have an ace up their sleeve going into this evening’s CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round second leg against Jwaneng Galaxy at Obert Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, having won the first leg 1-0 at home. On the other hand, the Bankers also have a slight edge, having earned a vital away point at the same stage in the CAF Champions League against Malagasy outfit Elgeco Plus in Mauritius last week following a one-all draw. In an interview amid sizzling conditions in the 19th century gold rush town, Nomads coach Bob Mpinganjira said while the battle is far from being won, they will be out to build on their slight lead. Appearing calm and unnerved, the Wanderers gaffer said: “Pressure? Not really, but we know that it’s not going to be easy. “There will be no ceiling, we won’t sit back. We have to fight for another goal to calm the nerves. We know they will come flat out, but we will be cautious.” He also acknowledged that they anticipate an intimidating Silver’s McDonald Lameck dribbles past Elgeco defenders in first match. | Courtesy of Silver Strikers atmosphere from the home fans. “But we are also preparing our boys psychologically so that they can stand the heat when the temperature rises,” he said. The Nomads legend said he expects those with experience on the international stage to lead their inexperienced rookies. He also said another plus is that three of the Nomads players, Wisdom Mpinganjira, Emmanuel Nyirenda and Blessings Singini got the feel of the pitch while on national duty with the Flames against the Brave Warriors of Namibia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. Mpinganjira also said the focus during their preparations in the countdown to the showdown has been to improve on firepower. There was no hint of nerves as he spoke, no hint of panic. Wanderers’ players were also an oasis of calm as they relaxed at Cresta Thapama Hotel, where they are staying, ahead of their final training session last evening at the match venue. A chuckle here, a joke there painted a picture of a team oozing confidence. Captain Felix Zulu, who scored the lone goal, said they are aware that Galaxy will come flat out. “They are at home and they will be playing in front of their fans. So, it won’t be easy, but we are not bothered, we will fight,” he said. On the condition of the pitch, the Nomads skipper said: “A good natural turf that is in excellent condition that will allow us to express ourselves.” Galaxy, who reached the group stages of the CAF Champions League in their past two campaigns, said they aim to suffocate life out of the Nomads. During a pre-match press conference yesterday, their Northern Irish coach Sean Connor reiterated that the battle is still on. He said: “Look, as I said, in the first leg, the task was to make sure we are still in the tie and I think it is still very much alive. “Obviously, we will have to score. We can go on and win 2-0 or 3-1 as long as we don’t concede a goal. So, it is still game on.” Meanwhile, at home, Silver, who have been camping since their arrival in the country on Monday, said they are determined to progress in the tournament. Coach Etson Kadenge Mwafulirwa said they are banking on the support of home fans this afternoon. He said: “We have an upper hand as we will be playing at home with our supporters. I have hope that we will do better because the players have shown that they have the energy to finish the game. “We will be playing in an environment we are used to playing so that would be an advantage,” Etson Kadenge.”
