NGEZI Platinum Stars have been dealt a major blow after midfielder Walter Mukanga was ruled out of tomorrow’s CAF Confederations Cup preliminary round second leg tie against Pamplemousse of Mauritius.

The former Dynamos midfielder was the miners’ best player in the first leg away in Mauritius but will not be available for the return leg at the National Sports due to an ankle injury.

Ngezi carry a slight advantage going into the second leg having scored what could prove to be an important away goal in Mauritius.

The match ended 1-1.

“Unfortunately we lost Walter (Mukanga) who was our best player in Mauritius to an injury,” coach Tonderai Ndiraya told a news conference held at the Meikles Hotel on Friday afternoon

“But remember we have brought in new faces like Dominic Mukandi and Xolisani Moyo who can play in that position (left by Mukanga).

“Liberty Chakoroma as well can play that position,” said Ndiraya.

The miners have been staying in the capital since their arrival from Mauritius after CAF moved their match to the National Sports due to the lack of hotel facilities for the visitors in Mhondoro.

“We have to forget about Baobab and the things which we can’t control and focus on what we can control which is to prepare the team for the match,” he said.