Eddie Chikamhi in ALGIERS, Algeria
GIANTS CAPS United’s virtually flawless trip to Algeria was spoiled on arrival here yesterday when the team found out that the luggage containing their training balls was missing.

Head of delegation Austin Chishanga said the Green Machine lost 15 balls and had to run around with Makepekepe chief executive Cuthbert Chitima to secure replacement balls as the team had scheduled their first training session in the evening.

The Green Machine are expected to clash with USM Alger tomorrow night (9pm) in a decisive Group B clash at the July 5 Stadium. Chishanga was impressed by the reception they got from the USM Alger officials and the Zimbabwe Ambassador to Algeria, Edwin George Mandaza and his support staff.

“I’m happy the flights were on schedule and the spirits among the boys is high. You can see they all want to win this match. We were received well by the hosts and the members of the Zimbabwean Embassy in Algeria.

“The hotel we are staying in is a five-star and this has raised the morale among the boys. But then on an embarrassing note, we have discovered that one of our bags containing soccer balls is missing.

“When we checked in at the Harare International Airport we had seven items direct to Algeria, but upon arrival here we got six tags. But I can’t rush to fault our hosts USM Alger on that. In fact, I suspect that it had to do with either the airline or the airport staff.

“So we have lodged a complaint with the airline and they promised to investigate the issue. They gave us the assurance that if the luggage was mistakenly left in Rome then they would put it on the next flight that arrives at Midnight.

“So I will be returning to the airport at Midnight with the chief executive (Cuthbert Chitima) to check if the balls are sent. But in the meantime we have to buy replacement balls since the team has a training session in the evening,” said Chishanga.

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