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Mzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
CAF Orange Confederation Cup-bound How Mine FC have named a 30 member squad that has six new faces. Aces Academy and Young Warriors Under-20 goalkeeper Donovan Bernard, midfielder Marvel Samaneka from Motor Action, Edmore Muzanenhamo from Prison Training Depot, Wonder Sithole from Buffaloes, Courage Dennis from Triangle and Kudakwashe Mushure from relegated outfit Monomotapa are part of the squad that coach Philani Beefy Ncube will take into the jungles of Africa.
How Mine retained most of their experienced players such as Gilbert Banda, Nyasha Mukumbi, goalkeeper Ephraim Mazarura and Menard Mupera.
Ncube said he had faith in the squad.
“I have faith in this squad. There is no doubt that we are going to Africa to compete not just to add numbers,” said Beefy.
The gold miners failed to land their top targets, the Caps United trio of Tapiwa Khumbuyani, Tendai Samanja and Tawanda Nyamande.
Ncube said they might be more additions as long as the transfer window is still open.
“The window is still open, you never know, there might be surprises especially in the strike force as we don’t want a scenario where we struggle in front of goal,” said Ncube.
How Mine will loan out five senior players so that they have room for juniors as per Premier League requirements.
“I have already identified those five youngsters, so we will send some of the players on loan so they can get some game time,” said Beefy.
Former Highlanders veteran defender Herbert Dick will captain the squad in their run in continental football while Banda will lead the troops in the domestic campaign. The Metallon Gold-sponsored outfit will open their account in the preliminary round at home against Chuoni of Zanzibar over the weekend of 7-9 February with the return leg set for the following week. If they manage to get past Chuoni, How Mine will meet the winner from the other preliminary round clash between St Michel of Seychelles or ASSM Elgeco Plus of Madagascar.
How Mine were registered for the Caf Confederation Cup because Mbada Diamonds Cup winners Highlanders are banned from participating in continental competitions until 2015.
They begin their preparations for the African adventure on January 6.
How Mine FC 2014 Confederation Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Benard Donovan, Notice Dube, Ephraim Mazarura
Defenders: Gilbert Banda, James Chitereki, Hebert Dick, Brighton Dube, Morris Kadzoka, George Magariro, Terrence Moyo, Nyasha Mukumbi, Blessing Sande, Nelson Tachi
Midfielders: Nicholas Alifandika. Donald Chiriga, Warren Dube, Timothy January, Thembani Masuku, Xolisani Moyo, Menard Mupera, Edmore Muzanenhamo, Tendai Ngulube, Eddie Nkulungo, Marvel Samaneka, Wonder Sithole
Strikers: Courage Denias, Kuda Musharu, Qinani Sibanda, Simba Sithole
Online Reporter