STANLEY Eguma says his former assistant now coach of Plateau United, Zachary Baraje won't pose a threat to his Rivers United team in today's match day 33 tie at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.
“At this stage of the season, winning is the most important thing but anyone who has been following what we do here will attest to the fact that we always want to play well too.
“I am expecting a very tough game because I am facing a team coached by a man that worked under me as assistant for many years (Zachary Baraje) so he understands my philosophy.
“However, this is not the first time such a thing will be happening in my career so I am quite optimistic we will get the win in the end,” he told the media.
Baraje however claims that Eguma is blessed with better individual talent at his disposal.
“Eguma has got better players than me but I will be relying on the work I have done with my players as far as fitness and tactics are concerned.
“I know him (Eguma) very well but I don’t think that is going to act as an advantage for either of us on Sunday.
“I must commend Eguma for the wonderful work he has done with this team because Rivers United is a very good team.
“The coach has really dedicated his time to make this team quite strong,” Baraje said.
There are no injury worries for Eguma and Rivers United with a decision still to be made over who starts in goal for the ‘Pride of Rivers’ on Sunday.
Sunday Rotimi and Abiodun Akande have both played twice each in United’s last four matches and Eguma has opted to wait until the last minute to decide who starts against Plateau United on Sunday.
Striker, Chinonso Okonkwo will however start the game against Plateau United and he expects a stern test from the Jos-based side but predicts a win.
“The fans should expect a win from us and I am sure we will win,” he said.
It promises to be an intriguing contest as both sides with lofty ambitions go for broke.
Rivers United is currently in third place on the NPFL standings with 50points from 31 matches while Plateau United occupy 11th place on the log with 45 points from 31 matches.
