FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza says they can’t force people to support them ahead of the Caf Champions League Group B opener against South African side Orlando Pirates.

The match will be played at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo, a stronghold of Pirates fans.

“We can’t force people to come and support us, those who will come in and cheer us on I say thank you in advance,” said Mapeza.

“To those who will be supporting the visiting team, I have no problem with them, that’s football, and it’s normal all over the world. The most important thing for us is to deliver a positive result for those supporting us.”

When asked about Kudakwashe Mahachi’s threat, the gaffer said: ” I’m not worried about individuals. The only player that I can get worried about is Lionel Messi, not anyone from this side.

“We concentrate on the whole team. If Kuda was going to play alone, the other seventeen players would not be in the squad.”

Mahachi has scored in Pirates’ last two games, coming in as a late substitute on both occasions.

The match kicks-off at 3 pm and SuperSport TV will cover it live.