Zimbabwe champions FC Platinum will have to open their CAF Champions League campaign against South African giants Orlando Pirates at Barbourfields Stadium after their home ground Mandava was condemned by the continental mother body.
A release by the Zimbabwe Football Association said:
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) advised ZIFA that FC Platinum’s traditional home ground, Mandava Stadium does not meet minimum requirements for this stage of Africa’s prestigious club competition.
The other stadium homologated by CAF to host group stage matches for inter-club competitions is the National Sports Stadium but FC Platinum selected Barbourfields stadium for convenience.
The match between FC Platinum and Orlando Pirates will be played on 12 January 2019.
CAF will conduct further inspections for Mandava stadium , Barbourfields stadium and National sports stadium going forward.
FC Platinum itself expressed sadness over the decision and said they had already lined up Barbourfields as a contingent plan. They urged their fans to make their way to Bulawayo to support.
Also in the same group are Guinean side Horoya and Tunisia’s Esperance.
This the first time the back to back Zimbabwe champions have made it to the group stage of the competition.
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