Finidi George, Rivers United coach, says the club’s tough draw in the CAF Champions League is “extra motivation” for his players to excel.
The manager spoke to the team’s media after Monday’s draw which saw the former Nigerian champions in Group A with RS Berkane, Pyramids and Power Dynamos. Finidi believes that the tough draw will motivate the boys to raise their game because of the enormous challenge before them.
“It’s extra motivation for the players. Having this platform on this big stage, I think it’s going to bring a lot of expectations and a lot of confidence for the players,” said Finidi
“They’re all looking forward to having this platform to showcase what they have. So, the time has come. I just hope mentally they are prepared for it. I don’t think physically we will struggle, but I think mentally this is a big stage.
“It’s a good draw, difficult group. But if you want to compete in that tournament, at some stage you have to play the best. We’ll prepare when the time comes.”
“For now, we’ll just concentrate on our league games. When it’s getting closer to that, we’ll try to prepare the boys mentally for what’s coming ahead,” he concluded.
The Pride of Rivers will begin their group stage campaign on the weekend of November 21-23 with an away match against defending champions Pyramids of Egypt.
