Rivers United captain Stephen Manyo has declared the team ready for their CAF Champions League first preliminary round second-leg clash against San Pedro of Côte d’Ivoire.
Finidi George’s side will host the Ivorian outfit at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday, with the tie finely poised after the two teams played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg last weekend.
Manyo Highlights Opportunity
Manyo has urged his teammates to embrace the occasion, particularly the younger players looking to make their mark on the continental stage.
“I had to talk to the players. This is a big moment, a big opportunity for us all, because we have younger players who want to grow and play on bigger stages, not only in Africa but also in top football in Europe. So, I’ve tried to talk to them,” Manyo said ahead of the game.
“If you really want to play football on the biggest stage, this is the biggest platform you have in Africa. So, you have to step up as a person. You don’t really need me to push you that much for you to play.”
Read Also:CAFCL: Rivers United Captain Manyo Vows ‘Cup Final’ Approach Against San Pedro
No Room for Complacency
Manyo also warned his teammates against distractions, stressing the need for maximum focus ahead of the decisive encounter.
“You have to play for yourself first. Play for your family, because you have family at home looking up to you. So, you have to push yourself as a person,” he added.
“Whatever distractions you are having, you have to keep them aside and focus, because this is your career. If you don’t succeed, there are many people waiting for you to laugh at you. So, this is the biggest moment for you.
“You have to push yourself as hard as you can to see yourself at the top level, because I believe they can do it. They have the qualities; it’s just the willingness to do it. If they are willing to do it, I believe they will achieve great things.
“So, I’m trying as much as possible to work with them one-on-one, side-by-side. But you have this in you. You don’t have to let yourself down.
“You don’t have to let the team down. So, you have to push yourself, because this is your career and you must make it.”
By Adeboye Amosu
