Hard work is the secret - Orange CAF Champions League 2009

News Fixtures & results Clubs Regulations Committee Photos Videos Trophy Past competitions

NEWS

Hard work is the secret

11-07-2009

Zoom

TP Mazembe coach Diego Garzitto has cited hard work as the secret behind his team’s capture of the 2009 Orange CAF Champions League title.

Mazembe beat Heartland FC of Nigeria 1-0 in the final second leg clash on Saturday in Lubumbashi to cruise to the title on the away goal rule after both legs ended 2-2.

According the former France International, his team’s success was a result of hard work throughout the season.

“Hard work is the secret to our success. We have preparing feverishly throughout the season and the result has shone. I inculcated the spirit of hard work into my players and it proved crucial.

“Many things have happened in the course of the season. We started the competition in the spirit of hard work and ended on the same note,” the Frenchman of Italian descent told cafonline.com after the match.

The 59-year old, who is enjoying his third stint with the Lubumbashi-based club, also said winning the ultimate was a challenge to his team.

“When we started the season, no one told us our objective was winning the African title. But it was challenge to the playing body and technical team, and I’m very delighted we have succeeded.

“We have put smiles on the faces of the people of Lubumbashi and DR Congo in general, and we are proud of that.”

On the match, Garzitto said his decision to switch tactics in the second half hugely supported their quest after Heartland defended gallantly in the first half.

“In the first half, Heartland adopted close marking and it made things difficult for my players to move around. In the second half, I changed the style and introduced four midfielders to contain the pressure and attack at the same time.

“The change in tactics really supported our game plan and helped us maintain our lead.”

It was the third time Mazembe have emerged winners in the continent’s most prestigious club competition after successes in 1967 and 1968.

In addition to the cash-prize of 1,500,000 US Dollars, Mazembe will also represent Africa at the FIFA Club World Cup slated for the United Arab Emirates in December.

RESULTS