Rainford Kalaba is focused on delivering the elusive CAF Confederations Cup to TP Mazembe rather than bagging golden boot award.
The Zambian winger on 6 goals is in pole position to take the individual accolade – heading into tomorrow’s (Sunday, November 6) second leg final against MO Bejaia of Algeria, at Stade Mazembe, DR Congo, but he holds team’s goal, which is to bag the second biggest club’s honours in Africa supersedes any other ambitions.
“I have no pressure before the final. Being top scorer without Mazembe being champions is useless. We must achieve our goal first for the top scorer’s award to be interesting. We are a united group, and on the field we have always worked to win,” Kalaba told the club’s website Friday, November 4.
His direct challengers, Arsenio Sebastio Cabungula GB Sagrada Esperança of Angola (6 goals), Mohamed NAHIRI of FUS Rabat (5 goals) and Abbas MOHAMED Medeama SC ( 5 goals) are no longer in the race.
“The Ravens” attended a traditional mass at Institute of Mary Help, Kafubu chapel, as is the norm before a big assignment.
The first leg Saturday, October 30, at Stade Mustapha Tchaker El Bouleïda, Blida, Algeria ended 1-1. Jonathan converted from the spot for 2015 African champions, with Faouzi Yaya grabbing the equalizer for Bejaia in the second stanza.
A barren draw will be enough to secure the crown for Mazembe on away goal’s rule, and atone for 2013 miss – where they lost 3-2 aggregate to CS Sfaxien of Tunisia at the last hurdle.
