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Don Makanyanga, Sports Reporter

NGEZI Platinum Stars captain, Qadr Amini insists that his team will not be hugely affected by having to start their Champions League campaign at an adopted home and away from their beloved Baobab in Mhondoro.

Amini said Ngezi’s main focus was on getting off to a good start on their debut appearance in the Champions League.

The platinum miners will host Democratic Republic of Congo side AS Maniema in a preliminary round fixture at Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, Zambia on Saturday.

Amini said Ngezi have long shifted from worrying about the venue to focusing on the assignment at hand.

The club’s management are hoping that Amini and his troops can reach the group stage of the tournament.

“Nowadays football is just the same no matter where you are playing,’’ Amini said.

“As for us we have accepted that the Heroes Stadium is our home and we feel like we are playing at Baobab or Rufaro Stadium.

“Playing in Zambia is not something we are worried about, what is worrying us is what we want to achieve,’’ he said.

With the significance being attached, by many clubs across the continent to the Champions League, Amini said he was aware of the tough task that awaits Ngezi.

“Our target is to reach the group stages and we are aware that it’s not going to be easy.

“We need to work hard and everyone is aware of what needs to be done.”

It is the first meeting between the two sides but Amini believes Ngezi are ready for the Congolese challenge.

“We are ready for any challenge and anything that comes our way.

“We are not afraid of anything I am sure even if they have their fears about us because it will be our first meeting.

“They do not know what we are planning because it is going to be an exciting fixture and we are optimistic that we will get a positive result,” said Amini.

Amini, who has played in the Champions League twice with the now-defunct Gunners and FC Platinum will be expected to ensure he shares some of his experience with his teammates.

“I have been telling the young players that this is an opportunity for them to showcase their talents and at the same time they should not be afraid as there is nothing to worry about.”

He also challenged the senior players to lead by example

“The onus is also on us as senior players, to lead by example the moment that we put on the hard work the young players will follow suit and with hard work will achieve our goal,” said Amini.