Red Arrows Assistant Coach Kalililo Kakonje has said although playing TP Mazembe football club with a 2-0 deficit will be mountain to climb, his players are ready to climb it as the two teams meet in the Caf Champions League pre stage match second leg in Lubumbashi on Saturday.

Kakonje was speaking during the pre-match media conference in Lubumbashi ahead of the match on Saturday, 21 September 2024.

“TP is a big team in Africa with experience. Yes we expect a mountain to climb but the team is prepared well to climb it,” Kakonje stated, exuding confidence despite all odds.

Meanwhile, a particular point of interest among the local media is ‘Operation Kamalondo hype’ which has caused a stir and curiosity among Mazembe fans.

Journalists asked Kakonje to shed more light on what the operation is all about. In his response, the former TP Mazembe legend explained that the operation is designed, among other things, to ensure his squad delivers a spirited performance, irrespective of the passionate home crowd expected at Kamalondo.

“I know the culture and dynamics here well, having played for TP Mazembe myself. Now iam coming here as a Coach on the opposite team so i have to be professional in my role. The knowledge we have gathered is invaluable in our preparations. Therefore, we aim to give the home team a serious fight.”

Kakonje stated that playing in front of full stadiums like Mazembe should not be an issue because it is a standard expectation for teams in the CAF Champions League, further adding that the noise in the stands add to the flare of the game.

Red Arrows football club will tomorrow play TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi in a must win match to keep alive their hopes of procceding to group stage.