Enugu Rangers Chief Executive, Christian Chukwu, has declared the Nigerian champions have respect for five-time African champions, Zamalek, but are not afraid to take on them.
Rangers will first play away to the Egyptian giants next month in a CAF Champions League first round match with the return leg in Enugu a week later.
The overall winners will qualify for the money-spinning stage of the continent’s foremost club competition.
Chukwu who once captained Rangers and later coached the Flying Antelopes said the Nigerian champions are prepared to battle Zamalek next month.
“We are fully ready for Zamalek. We respect them but we are not afraid of them,” declared Chukwu.
“We have already started preparation ahead of that encounter.
“The match against JS Saoura of Algeria was an eye opener and it has put our players in continental mood.”
Rangers eliminated JSS from Algeria on the away goals rule, while Zamalek were drawn bye to the first round of the Champions League after they lost in last year’s final to Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa.
Meanwhile, FC IfeanyiUbah’s Cameroonian import, Tamen Medrano has attributed the team’s ouster from the preliminary round of this year’s CAF Confederation Cup to politics of African club football.
The Anambra Warriors lost 3-0 on penalties to Al Masry of Egypt after the regulation time had ended 1-1 on aggregate.
But the Cameroonian who was in action for 90 minutes stated that so many things transpired in Egypt beyond the pitch but that they have learnt their lessons and would be better prepared next time.
“It was very tough for us in Egypt and they got away with all they did because we were new in the competition and are not used to the politics of the game,” Medrano told Goal.
”Imagine all the fans and supporters of Al Masry all staying at the back post of where penalties were to be taken. There were other things that happened that won’t be said here.”
