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Lovemore Dube Sports Editor
HOW Mine FC believe that the 2014 soccer season will be more challenging than their debut year in the Premiership. The gold miners who finished seventh and qualified for this year’s BancABC Sup8r Cup surprised all and sundry to emerge runners-up to Highlanders in the Mbada Diamonds Cup.
That feat qualified them for the Caf Confederation Cup. This has exerted a lot of pressure on them as they will be seeking to do well in Africa although it is on the domestic scene where any slip up could see them fighting for survival.
In an interview yesterday, How Mine chairman Mlondolozi Nkomo admitted that 2014 would be more challenging. On the positive he said preparations for the year were much better following their exposure last year.
Nkomo’s lads will clash with Chuoni of Zanzibar in the preliminary round on February 7-9 before the second leg a fortnight later.
“Preparations have gone on well. At least this time around we have an idea from our experience of staying in the Premiership.
“Last year we did well. There was an element of surprise throughout the season and we thrived on that to finish seventh and reach the Mbada Diamonds Cup. Now everyone knows us, so the heat is on,” said Nkomo.
In their maiden year, How Mine beat Caps United, Dynamos and Highlanders the country’s biggest clubs. The three giants are also the only teams that have never been relegated from the top flight since 1980.
“We have had good exposure. Everyone in the league is working hard and the pressure of chasing glory in Africa could make life tough for us. We are working hard as a club to ensure we do better on the field as for planning it has really been a lot smoother,” said the miners chairman.
Nkomo said defender and club captain Herbert Dick was still a key member of their playing staff. He said they met the player yesterday to finalise a few points on his contract.
He said they were banking on Dick’s experience and international exposure to benefit them in both the league and Africa campaign.
There has been speculation that Dick could retrace his steps to Bantu Rovers who want to strengthen their side for the Southern Region Division One campaign.
“At the moment we are looking at his age and experience as a key factor. As a player we believe he still has a lot to contribute and influence the younger players positively. We are also looking at what role he can play at the club when he stops playing as we finalise his contract,” said Nkomo.
Nkomo said despite losing Khumbulani Banda to Highlanders, Courage Denias and Nicholas Arifandika who have decided to stay at their clubs and Nqobile Mpala who is job hunting in South Africa, they were still strong.
“Doors are still open for the coaches to add a number of names to the list of players,” he said.
Online Reporter