St. George goalkeeper Robert Odongkara is looking forward to facing Uganda Cranes teammate Denis Onyango of Mamelodi Sundowns in the African Champions League in Pretoria on Saturday.
Odongkara, 27, told CAF he has been in touch with the reigning African Player of the Year based in Africa about their opening group “C” encounter, and are itching to see each other.
“We have been communicating a lot regarding this game and we are looking forward to seeing each other. It will be exciting to play against him,” Odongkara, a multiple Ethiopian Premier League player of the year said.
The former SC Villa and URA shot stopper returned from injury Sunday to guide the Horsemen to a 1-0 win over Jimma Aba Bunna and consolidate their top spot in the Ethiopian topflight.
St. George, 13-times EPL champions qualified for the Champions League group phase for the first time this season and they lack Sundowns’ experience, nonetheless, Odongkara holds they will not cower in front of the defending champions.
“Every game at this stage is like a cup final. Sundowns is a big team and it will be challenging. We lack group stage experience, and they have more quality. We are not frightened and will go out there to look for a win.
“Personally, I have been watching the games of Sundowns since the groups were revealed. I know each and every player of their team, from the goalkeepers to the forwards. Our players are not known and some of them will be nervous and emotional.
“They are ready to play at this level and we will give our best to achieve a good performance,” Odonkara added.
St. George will miss the services of gifted striker Sahladin Said and midfielder Mentesnote Adane who have been suspended.
Sahladin boast 15 league goals and five in the champions league so far.
Also out injured is winger Behaliu Assefa. However, the Addis Ababa giants, who arrived in South Africa yesterday, were boosted with the return to fitness of Ramkel Lok and Ivorian Bruno Kone.
Sundowns are caught up in a fierce battle to retain their domestic title with league leaders Bidvest Wits.
The Pitso Masimone’s coached side were slowed by Baroka Swallows in a 2-2 draw on Wednesday.
Onyango, who was named the Premier Soccer League player for the month of April, after keeping five clean sheets in the month was between the posts in the match.
Pitso has blamed congested fixtures and fatigue for their rough patch, a weakness St. George could exploit.
The 2016 African top coach has however pledged to push themselves to the limit to achieve their goals.
