IT'S been difficult to ignore the Zimbabwe connection that is planning to ensure that FC Platinum's maiden dance in the Champions League is a forgettable one at the Somhlolo International Stadium tomorrow.

And, it doesn't matter which local newspaper you read or who you speak to because, whenever something crops up about tomorrow's game, the Zimbabwean connection in the Swazi camp looms large.

Lloyd Mutasa, who laid the foundation that eventually helped Dynamos to beat FC Platinum in a lively race for the domestic Premiership, has been hired to be the Green Mamba coach.

Reports indicate that Mutasa has been offered a three-year-deal although confirmation could not be obtained from the former DeMbare midfielder and coach.

While Mutasa's deal was initially reported to be for the Champions League campaign only, newspapers here are claiming that the Zimbabwean will now be the substantive coach of Green Mamba. Zambian gaffer, Francis Mkhulu Banda, who helped Green Mamba win the league championship last season and a ticket into the Champions League, is being eliminated by promotion into the largely meaningless post of technical director.

So far, Banda has not signed a contract, to take over as technical director, telling the Times of Swaziland newspaper yesterday that he wanted to concentrate on tomorrow's match.

Mutasa is settling into his new job and has been calling for the entire Swazi nation to rally behind Green Mamba in tomorrow's match.

"We have to use the home ground advantage by trying to complete the job here," Mutasa told the Times of Swaziland.

"It is possible (to win) after beating strong opposition from Mozambique.

"We will need the support of the nation on Sunday."

Green Mamba president, Mzuthini Ntshangase, said the recruitment of Mutasa was strategic once they realised that they would be playing Zimbabwean opposition in the Champions League.

"We are aware of the saying which says ‘send a thief to catch a thief.' That is what we are doing with him (Mutasa) because he knows FC Platinum well."

Mutasa is not the only Zimbabwean voice of defiance echoing from the Green Mamba camp. Goalkeeper Zondai Nyaungwa, who once played for Dynamos back home, has turned this country into his home.

And he is also confident that Green Mamba can ease past FC Platinum.

"We are on the right track and I see nothing stopping us on the day," said Nyaungwa.

"It will not be an easy game, though, but we are determined to win it at all costs."

Midfielder, Stanford Ncube has also spent quite some time in this country and, tomorrow, he is likely to play against his countrymen.

"It will be an honour for me to play against my home boys and beat them because we will show them that we are playing in a very competitive league here," said Ncube.