Football fans are spoiled for choice as both sides begin their CAF competition journeys at home. On Saturday, GU face Association Sportive Elgeco Plus (ELGECO PLUS) of Madagascar at the National Stadium in the first leg of the CAF Confederations Cup preliminary round. Galaxy play Vipers SC of Uganda at the Lobatse Sports Complex in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round on Sunday afternoon. The Reds are facing an unfamiliar side from the Island state but an ever-present team in the CAF competitions. The Galaxy Stars are in a tougher assignment against Ugandan champions.
GU vs ELGECO PLUS
Team News Englishman, Peter Butler is expected to take over the reins as head coach, Pontsho Moloi, does not meet the required coaching badges. Butler serves as director of football at the club and will have his first taste of local football as a coach. New signing Thabo Motswagole could make his debut after being registered while Molaodi Tlhalefang, Thabang Khuduga, and Liberian midfielder, Sheikh Sesay may sit out the tie.
The opponents ELGECO PLUS have won the Madagascar national cup on five occasions making them one of the most successful clubs in the country. It is the team’s fourth appearance in the CAF Confederations Cup but it has not gone further than the preliminary round.
Previous encounters The two teams will be meeting for the first time.
What you need to know Venue: National Stadium Ticket Prices: P50 (Grand Stand), P20 (Rest of the stands) Venue Capacity: 22,500 Projected weather conditions: Partly sunny with temperatures at a maximum of 33º Celsius. 0% chance of rain. Humidity is at 21% and wind to blow at 23km/h. Gates open: 10am Kick-off: 3pm
Galaxy vs Vipers
Team news The team has completed their business in the market early and all the new signings are in line to make their first appearance for the club. Zebras’ shot-stopper, Goitseone Phoko will return to the Champions League for the second consecutive season, alongside Namibian, Dynamo Carlos Fredericks and Cleopas Dube. The team also reported a clean bill of health ahead of the crucial home tie.
The opponents ‘The Venoms’ are among the biggest football institutions in Uganda, boosting six league championships and the national cup on three occasions. The team has won the regional FUFA Super 8 Cup and the FUFA Super Cup, once. Vipers competed for the first time in the Champions League in 2016 and have since made four more appearances in the competition.
Previous encounters The two teams will be meeting for the first time.
What you need to know Venue: Lobatse Sports Complex Ticket Prices: P50 (Grand Stand), P20 (Rest of the stands) Venue Capacity: 22,000 Projected Weather conditions: Partly sunny with temperatures at a maximum of 31º Celsius. 0% Chance of rain. Humidity is at 27% and wind to blow at 16km/h. Gates open: 10am Kick-off: 4pm
