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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S Caf Confederations Cup representatives How Mine have said they are ready for the African sojourn that will see them clashing with Zanzibar’s Chuoni FC at Barbourfields Stadium in the preliminary round on Saturday.Club chairman Mlondolozi Nkomo said his executive was happy with the preparations under head coach Philani Beefy Ncube and said they were looking at going beyond the preliminary stage.
“We have been busy with our preparations and I can say that as the executive we are happy with the preparations under head coach Ncube. While not undermining our opponents, we are looking at going beyond the preliminary rounds,” said Nkomo yesterday.
Over the weekend, the gold miners had preparatory matches against 2013 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions Dynamos and third placed Harare City.
“The games gave us a good measure,” said Nkomo.
He said they have been in constant touch with Zifa and the Bulawayo City Fathers on the state of preparedness of Barbourfields Stadium and the match commissioner is expected to have a final assessment during the week.
“We believe the venue is alright and even if the match commissioner is yet to inspect it, I think they won’t find anything out of the ordinary. Barbourfields Stadium is an international venue in its own right,” said the chairman, who led the gold miners to the final of the Mbada Diamonds Cup last season.
How Mine have since lost the services of their chief striker Simba Sithole who penned a two-year deal with Absa Premiership outfit Ajax Cape Town on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Dynamos goalkeepers’ coach Tichaona Diya says the Glamour Boys should aim for a big win to jump start their Champions League campaign in the first leg of their preliminary round clash against Mochudi Centre Chiefs of Botswana next Sunday.
DeMbare have been preparing for the tournament for the past six weeks and they concluded their programme with a goalless draw against How Mine at Rufaro. They beat Black Rhinos 2-0 at Rimuka on Saturday courtesy of goals from Washington Pakamisa and unheralded newboy Anesu Gondo.
Diya who has been working with assistant coach Philemon Mutyakureva, team manager Richard Chihoro and veteran coach David Mandigora yesterday said they will use the remainder of the week to work on the final touches.
He said the Glamour Boys, who are the favourites to progress from the preliminary round, are not leaving anything to chance.
“We should not take them lightly and at the same time we should not worry about how they are doing their things. There are no small teams these days and we should treat them the same way we treat all our opponents.
“What is important is to win by a big margin at home. We hope to score more goals here and it will be easy when we play the return leg,” said Diya.
While DeMbare should be satisfied by the progress they have made during their month-long preparations Diya said they are still closely monitoring some of their players who had fitness concerns.
Goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi, Cliff Sekete, Ronald Chitiyo were nursing injuries and have been on a special training programme.
How Mine Caf Orange Confederation Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Ephraim Mazarura, Nonjabulo Dube, Donovan Bernard
Defenders: Brighton Dube, Morris Kadzola, Terrence Majo, James Chitereki, Hebert Dick, George Magariro, Nyasha Mukumbi, Gilbert Banda, Nelson Tachi
Midfielders: Tendai Ngulube, Menard Mupera, Xolisani Moyo, Warren Dube, Marvel Samaneka, Timothy January, Wonder Sithole, Thembani Masuku, Edmore Muzanenhamo, Eddie Nkulungo
Strikers: Qinani Sibanda, Kudakwashe Musharu
Online Reporter