Boost for Marumo Gallants ahead of Yanga showdown
Marumo Gallants have received a major boost as they prepare for a showdown against Tanzania giants Young Africans [Yanga SC].
Marumo hosts Young Africans at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Wednesday in a CAF Confederation Cup semifinal second-leg tie.
The Jangwani giants lead 2-0 after winning the first leg in Dar es Salaam last week.
YANGA IN TOWN
They arrived on Sunday afternoon at OR Tambo International Airport, exactly a day after winning their second successive NBC Premier League title.
Yanga came from behind to beat Dodoma Jiji FC 4-2 on Saturday to wrap up the title with two games to go.
The Dar es Salaam-based club immediately drove to Rustenburg, where the game takes place.
Yanga coach Nasreddine Nabi is wary of the threat posed by the Limpopo outfit.
“It’s not over, as we need to travel and play against Marumo in South Africa. So far, I know the weak and strong sides of my rivals. I’m going to have a different approach in the return leg,” said Nabi.
He is convinced Gallants are a good team capable of causing an upset.
“They’ve good midfielders and normally attack through their sharp players. We already know what to do in the return leg, and we are sure of qualifying for the final of the competition,” he said.
MAJOR BOOST FOR MARUMO GALLANTS
Interestingly, Marumo have received a double boost ahead of the reverse fixture. Gallants’ star player Celimpilo Ngema and Lesiba William Nku return after missing the first leg due to injury.
The two missed the trip to Dar es Salaam last week after picking up knocks. However, FARPost can confirm that the duo will be part of the travelling party to Rustenburg on Monday.
Ngema scored the goal that earned Marumo a place in the semi-final. They had played a 1-1 draw away in Cairo against Pyramids FC.
The pint-sized attacking midfielder scored the solitary goal that won Marumo the return leg in Rustenburg.
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