FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza is worried about the impact of artificial turf they will have to bear when they face CNaPS Sport of Madagascar in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.

The match will be played at Stade Municipal de Toamasina in Miarinarivo on Wednesday.

Speaking to the reporters ahead of the trip, Mapeza said: “It’s always difficult to play on artificial turf especially when it’s hot.

“Those granules bring out so much heat, I don’t want to lie.

“I remember when I went with the national team to Cape Verde and played on an artificial surface, it was just terrible. The guys had to pour water into their boots. I hope we don’t encounter such scenario.”

The daily temperatures on the Indian Ocean island range from 17 – 27°C during this month.

Meanwhile, the Zvishavane-side will depart on Monday.