BONGANI MALUNGA
Orapa United coach Madinda Ndlovu may not have got the result he wanted as his side lost 1-0 in the first leg of their preliminary round CAF Confederation fixture against Mbabane Swallows but he created a moment of history as he became the first coach to lead three different Botswana clubs at CAF competition levels.
The Zimbabwean tactician previously led Mochudi Centre Chiefs in the CAF Champions League in 2012 and 2013, he also coached Township Rollers in the same competition in 2014, he is currently in his third trip to a CAF competition with a third local club, a feat that is unmatched in local football.
Mmadinda is also the first Orapa United coach to venture into a continental competition. However, his historic achievements have been dented by the club’s setback as they face a difficult away tie this weekend.
Orapa lost 1-0 in their first ever continental game as they gave away a crucial away goal to the Swaziland side at the Francistown Sports Complex. Swallows have been in a rich vein of form in their domestic league after winning their first 16 games of the season, their weekend victory over the Mascom Top 8 champions stretched their unbeaten run to 17 games this season.
The Swazi club has been flawless at home, they have won all eight of their home games, proving that Orapa will be facing a daunting task. If Ndlovu’s side manages to overturn their deficit they will face Tanzanian side Azam FC in the first round.