BY JCOB AJOM
Sunshine Stars of Akure have never lost a continental match at the Gateway International Stadium, Ijebu Ode. They have recorded two victories from two matches; a perfect record, no doubt. But this weekend, Saturday specifically, the highly motivated Akure team will host MAS Fez of Morocco at the venue in a crucial CAF Confederation match.

The match will spell the fate of the Nigerian flag bearers as the Moroccans presently top the group with 7 points as against Sunshine Stars’ 6 from three matches.

The General Manager of the Akure side, Mike Idoko remains confident that the weekend fixture would provide the much-desired opportunity for his club to regain their number one spot on the table.

“We know that nothing short of victory will be good enough for us. We lost the first place because of our defeat by this same team in Morocco. It is our time to pay them back in their own coins,” Idoko said on phone.

He said that the Ondo state governor, Segun Mimiko had approved and released all outstanding slaroes and allowances, including 50 per cent of the players’ sign on fees in order to ensure the players were comfortable and clear of any psychological encumbrances. “The have been adequately motivated,” he said.

He reckoned that it was not going to be a walk over. “No, not at all,” he quipped, pointing out that MAS Fez had been in existence since 1946. “They are a very good side. That is what bothers me most because we want to beat them square and fair. Although they did everything to frustrate us during the first leg, we want to show them love and brotherliness. On the pitch, we won’t pity them,” Idoko said.