KCCA FC manager Mike Mutebi is optimistic of a positive result ahead of his team’s first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup playoff against Paradou.
The Kasasiro Boys will host Algerian outfit in the first leg scheduled for Sunday 27 October at StarTimes Stadium in Lugogo, Kampala with the return leg set for a week later in Algiers.
Mutebi admits that Paradou are a good side but he is backing his team to claim a vital win at home which could see them increase their chances of progressing to the group stages of the competition.
“I know they are a good side because there is no weaker team at this stage. We have a similar style of play. Since we play at home first, we are poised for a better result to boost our chances in the return leg,” he said in an interview with CAFOnline.
Mutebi, who has guided KCCA twice to the group stages of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederations Cup, is also aware of the danger posed mainly by the North African side but adds that the Kasasiro Boys don’t fear Paradou.
“Football has little difference, we no longer feel the same like it was in the ’90s against North African teams. The players have the character to match every kind of opponent. We have played the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly and many others, and the approach won’t be any different,” he added.
KCCA lost to Angola’s Petro Atletico in the premier continental club championship, having knocked out Namibian champions African Stars.
Mutebi maintains that his charges will not be affected by the departure of the senior players who left the team at the end of last season.
“We have promoted many players and recruited a couple that can fit our style of play, majorly giving chance to the youth who have come from the development side. They are gradually developing and complemented by the likes of Sadat Anaku and Mike Mutyaba, who have proven to fill the gap of Patrick Kaddu and Allan Kyambadde,”he concluded.
Meanwhile, CAF has named Eswatini and South Sudan officials to handle the match. The centre referee is Thulani Sibandze from Eswatini who will be assisted by country mates Sifiso Nxumalo and Petros Mzikayifani Mbingo as the first and second assistant referees respectively.
The fourth official is Thembinkosi Njabulo Dlamini from Eswatini while assigned match commissioner is South Sudan’s Begi Rasas Sebit Librato Librato.
