Heartland FC can lift CAF Confederation Cup says goalie

[MrVan]

Abuja – Daniel Akpenyi, the goal keeper of Heartland FC of Owerri, said in Abuja that the team has potential to lift the 2013 edition of the CAF Confederation Cup competition, after losing out in the 2012 edition.

Heartland has again won the ticket to represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup after defeating Lobi Stars of Markurdi 2-1 in the Federation Cup final played at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, on Aug. 26.

Speaking in Abuja, Akpenyi emphasised that the club was more focused now to lift the CAF trophy, after their not-too- impressive performance in the domestic league this season.

According to him, the management of the club bungled their chances in the last season, due to their inability to pay match allowances to players.

"There were some mistakes we made last season and I am sure the management, players and other persons that were involved, learnt from the mistakes.

"Usually, clubs don't do well when it comes to paying players' allowances and we happened to fall victim also; but I am very sure that they will wake up this time around to make sure we go far in our continental assignment.

"'Am very sure this season's championship will be a different ball game from our last season's appearance, " Akpenyi said.

He expressed the hope that their FA Cup victory would spur the state government to rally-round the team in the continental championship.

"Am sure that some people must have talked to them right now to make them understand what it takes to go far in CAF competitions. So, I am sure they are working seriously on that," he added.

Heartland are hoping to better their performance as against their last appearance in the continent when they lost to TP Mazembe of DR Congo in the CAF Champions League final. (NAN)

Vanguard Nigeria