SUPERSPORT UNITED striker Jeremy Brockie says he didn’t travel across three continents to get to Lubumbashi for nothing.
Brockie’s arrival at OR Tambo on Friday without any injury brought huge relief to SuperSport coach, Eric Tinkler, who travelled to the DRC without his key defender Morgan Gould and midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane due to suspension.
The deadly goal poacher says winning the Caf Confederation Cup will make up for his failure to help New Zealand qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Matsatsantsa a Pitori will tackle DRC giants TP Mazembe in the final first leg of Caf competition at Stade TP Mazembe today (3.30pm).
The return leg will take place at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, in Atteridgeville on Saturday.
Peru ended Brockie’s and his country’s attempt to reach their third World Cup finals when they beat them 2-0 during the play-off match away on Thursday.
Said Brockie: “It’s another big game and motivation won’t be hard to get. Obviously, it was disappointing missing out on the World Cup, we’ve been trying to get through for the last three-and-a-half years. At least there’s something good going on at SuperSport.”
He added: “It’s nice to be finally here in Lubumbashi. My body is a little tired, my mind is also tired, but I’m looking forward to the match. I won’t have any problems getting up and running for this one.
“Obviously, it’s a cricial game for the club and for Mzansi. I’ll get a good night’s rest and will be fit and raring to go on Sunday.”
But Brockie knows they will need to bring their A game if they are to overcome Mazembe who will be rallied by their intimidating vocal fans who are expected to pack the 18 000-capacity venue.
Added Brockie: “They’re a good team with a couple of experienced players, strong at the back and they have a strong hostile crowd.”
The deadly lanky striker revealed that playing away first was an advantage to win the trophy if their defence was solid.
“It’ll be an advantage if we scored some goals. It’s 180 minutes of football and we don’t want to go out to concede and go to South Africa and chase the game.”
