No build-ups for Amavubi Stars

Amavubi Stars will not play any friendly matches in their preparations for their second 2010 World/African Cup group three qualifiers against Zambia set for June 6 in Lusaka and Egypt four days later. The not-so-good news was confirmed by the team’s head coach Branko Tucak but he also noted that he’s not happy with the news either as he believes that friendly matches in the build-up to such big game are vital for putting the team in the right shape. “Ideally, we need to play some friendly matches but without the professional players there is no need. “These build-up matches are useful in evaluating the level of the players but it’s difficult and quite expensive to have all the players (local and pros) for a friendly match which is even sanctioned by Fifa,” Tucak said last week. The Croat added that he will stick to his usual preparations and rely on the football federation (Ferwafa) to always request clubs to release professional players as early as possible. Rwanda drew her second round opening qualifying 0-0 against Algeria in Kigali last Saturday a week while Egypt was stunned by Zambia to a 1-all draw in Cairo. The results left the four contenders with one point each ahead of the next games in June when Algeria host Egypt and Zambia host Rwanda in Lusaka. Before the start of the campaign, Tucak had set his team a target of winning all their home matches and hope that they can snatch a draw of a shock win on the road, but after drawing the first home game, the Amavubi Stars will be required to win their remaining two home games and one or more away from home. Rwanda still has to host Egypt and Zambia and play away to Zambia, Egypt and Algeria. The next qualifier for Tucak’s team will be played on June 6 against Zambia as Algeria face off Egypt on June 7. The top team in the group will qualify for the World Cup in South Africa while the three best finishers make it for the Africa Nations Cup finals in Angola. Ends

Lifestyle

No build-ups for Amavubi Stars