Platinum Stars coach Cavin Johnson says his side are adamant they can overturn the deficit in the second leg of their Caf Confederation Cup next weekend.

Dikwena suffered a 1-0 defeat against Ugandan side Vipers SC at St Mary’s Stadium, following a goal by Milton Karisa on Saturday.

The 58-year-old coach has credited the Ugandan side for their performance, but has warned them that they will have a strong opposition ahead of their second leg clash at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

‘Thanks to Ugandan people for the wonderful atmosphere. It can be a better ground, a lot even. I don’t think the football field is a field for playing this type of competition,’ Johnson told the Platinum Stars website.

‘For future maybe it will get better. For the support and other things well done to Vipers. They won and we are happy to go home with 1-0.

‘We know back home, we will have a different plan. We will play better football and hopefully, we will have a better ref as well.’

Johnson’s men tried their best to search for an equalizer and a winner, but it was not to be. Johnson is of the view that with better officiating the outcome would have been different.

Johnson says that his side created a lot of scoring opportunities throughout the match, but admits that a lack of composure in the final third let them down in front of goal.

‘I hope we gave a good game of football to Ugandan people and Vipers as well. I don’t think I fell short on the pitch. I thought the man of the match is the man in yellow,’ he added.

‘We held the ball, we went forward, but when we tried to do something, it stopped. For what it’s worth, I think we had few chances. When we were about to score or take an attempt the whistle went off.

‘We can overcome those things when we are at home.’

Platinum Starts will now take on AmaZulu in the Nedbank Cup encounter at the Moruleng Stadium on Wednesday.

Kick-off has been set for 19:30.