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Paul Mundandi in Bulawayo
JOEY Antipas has warned South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns that the Gamecocks can brew a huge shocker when the two sides meet in an African Champions League preliminary round, first leg tie at Barbourfields on Saturday.

Sundowns have been flying high in the South African Premiership and lead the championship race in that country.

Some analysts even believe that Sundowns are strong enough to win the African Champions League this year.

But Antipas believes the Brazilians could fall at the very first hurdle.

“We respect Sundowns. They have everything any club, players and coach can wish for. They have the money, they have the training facilities and they have an array of (star) players,” said Antipas.

“The have Khama Billiat, Teko Modise, Keegan Dolly and I can name a full squad because they are all good.

“We are not going to sit back and let them play with the ball around us. We are going to give them a good game.

“We might not be as well prepared as them as their season is on but we are going to give them a good game.

“They might have everything but I am not afraid of them.

“Everyone is looking down upon us but we have the right attitude and we need the right approach and we can be party spoilers.”

Highlanders caretaker coach, Amin Soma-Phiri, paid the Gamecocks a visit yesterday and exchanged notes with Antipas while wishing his counterpart all the best on Saturday.

“We need a positive result but we will miss Clemence (Matawu) and Teenage Hadebe,” said Antipas.

Matawu is nursing a calf injury while new signing Hadebe is out with a knee injury.

“If you are playing in Africa you need experienced players and to blend them with some youths and that is what we have done,” said Antipas.

“I am appealing to all Zimbabweans to come and back us.

“We want support from the first whistle from all the Zimbabweans, they must give the boys the encouragement and confidence and we will brew a shocker.

“I am looking forward to a very good brand of football from my team.

“I would have wished to meet them (Sundowns) after we had also played about 14 games in the league and we were going to match them

“It’s unfortunate that our season is different but we are coming up with a strategy that can assist us to get a positive result.”