Zimpapers Logo

on the job at hand when they travel here for the first leg, first round against Motor Action at Rufaro on Saturday.
The team is expected to arrive tomorrow and yesterday their club coach Sebastien Desabre told the club’s website that victory in Harare would be very sweet because of disturbing events unfolding in the West African country.
Asec Mimosas are the most successful club in Ivorian football, having won the local league 23 times.
They boast of 13 Champions league appearances and 12 African Cup of Club Champions appearances, making their clash with local champions Motor Action a David versus Goliath affair.
Despite financial problems triggered by the socio-political situation, Asec have managed to peacefully prepare for the match.
“The situation disturbs everyone and the conditions preparing for our game have been limited.
“But it is necessary to make do with what we have rather than to resign altogether. The victory will only be more sweet,” said Desabre.
The French coach said although the team has not fared well in previous Champions League editions, they are looking forward to a positive campaign this time around.
Asec Mimosas lifted their only Caf Orange Champions League title in 1998 when they beat Dynamos in the final.
Last year, they were denied a passage to the semi final by Monomotapa losing out 2-1 to the former Premier League champions.
Asec have struggled against Zimbabwean opposition when playing away and in the previous encounters against Dynamos the Ivorians failed to register a win.
In 2009, they faltered against former champions Monomotapa, losing 2-1.
Coach Desabre said he is unfazed by the opposition, which is coached by Warriors assistant coach Joey Antipas.
“I respect all the coaches because our profession is complicated. But I do not fear anyone.
“We will approach the match with much humility. If we remain serious and applied we can do well. We have the destiny firmly in our hands,” said Desabre.
Asec Mimosas, in the absence of official competitions following the civil war, which is threatening to cripple the country, had to contend with an intensive training course in Sol Blessed.
Their opponents, Motor Action, have also been off season and have only featured in pre-season friendly matches.
They have, however, played a two legged Champions League preliminary match against Cnaps of Madagascar.
At the weekend, they featured in the Charity Shield season opener and lost 4-1 to Dynamos on penalties.
The Ivorians come into this match boasting of a good attack, which saw them destroying Mauritanian side ASC Cansando 7-0 on aggregate.
Although the team would be relying on their attack when they engage Motor Action the French coach said his defence is can also carry the day for them.
“We are aware of the fact that our first round opponents are stronger than the earlier opposition. But the result was not due to the fact that we faced weak opposition. You cannot take anything away from our attack, which have scored nine goals in two matches, that is exceptional.
“But our defence is also good especially our centre backs Ahmed Diomando and Burkina Faso Robert Sankara who have been playing together for a long time,” said Desabre.
Defender Sankara and forward Halidou Garba from Niger are the only international players at the youthful outift.
Striker Adama Bakayoko was the hero in the 7-0 demolition of the Mauritian side scoring three goals and would be expected to play a key role on Saturday.