Gbenga Ogunbote: We will kick start our Champions League survival against Etoile Du Sahel

Jul 20, 2012 1:30:00 PM

Coach of the Akure side is optimistic they can get the three points in the game against the Tunisian club

Sunshine Stars coach Gbenga Ogunbote is confident his side will come out unscathed on Saturday when they confront Etoile Du Sahel of Tunisia at the Olympic Stadium in Sousse.

Ogunbote said his players are battle ready to redeem the campaign they bungled a fortnight ago when they lost at home to the defending champions Esperance of Tunisia.

He also said they had learnt from that defeat as the players are now confident as they confront their host.

"We are in Sousse to win", a confident Ogunbote boasted after the team's first work out at the training pitch of the Olympic stadium about 11pm local time on Thursday.

“We have all agreed that this match will be the turn around of this campaign and I am confident we shall fulfil this dream. Don't forget that we have a good away record playing in the continent from last season when we debuted. Equally we have players who are more committed than before to write their names in gold.

“Our loss at home to Esperence was an eye opener and we shall not allow that happen again but we must first of all pick maximum points from this match.

Asked if the players will not be intimidated by the ever supportive fans of Etoile Du Shael who will fill the stadium during the match, Ogunbote said his wards had seen such crowds in the past and won matches.

“When we played Djoliba of Mali, I was shocked to see a multitude come out to cheer the team and my players rose to the occasion and played out a draw in the match but that is not to say we shall not respect them because they are previous Champions.”

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