Senegalese champions, Diambars will be making their debut in the continental club championship with a date with ASFA Yennenga of Burkina in the preliminary round clash of the Orange CAF Champions League.
Head coach, Pape Boubacar Gadiaga admits that his team has no experience at this level, but rates his team’s strength in talent and determination to overpower their opponents, perennial participants in the African clubs championships.
With a team of an average age of less than 23-years, Gadiaga spoke with Cafonline.com on their readiness for the first leg encounter which takes place on Saturday, February 8 at the Caroline Faye Stadium in the coastal city of Mbour, about 80-kilometres south of the capital, Dakar.
Cafonline.com: How do you feel ahead of your team’s maiden appearance at the continental level this weekend?
Pape Boubacar Gadiaga: We are all preparing for the game with a high level of determination and excitement. Nobody wants to be left out of our first game in the African Clubs Championships. This is something new and everyone is looking forward to it.
After eight matches in the national championship, do you think your team is well equipped for the Orange CAF Champions League?
I will say yes. The pace is not the best though for my team. We have been far from successful and even lost 1-0 to Linguere in our last match (played on February 2, 2014). However, we remain confident in our abilities and cannot scold the players who have given their all. The players are determined to win in the Orange CAF Champions League.
But the Orange CAF Champions League is an entirely new terrain for your team?
Competition-wise yes, but some of the coaching staff and players have experience at the continental level. ASFA Yennenga had about players in the Burkina Faso squad at the recent Orange African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa and appears a strong side. We have no experience but we will compensate that with our talented players and their determination. We are playing at home and are poised to come out as worthy representatives of Senegalese football.
What do you know about your opponents?
They are ranked amongst the most successful clubs in Burkina Faso and have played severally in the African Clubs Championships. To have eight players in the Burkina Faso squad at the 2014 Orange CHAN is an indication of their strength. We are looking forward to a tough test from them. It is an opportunity for both clubs to showcase the progress in their respective national championships and it needs a lot of commitment.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) News
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