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Sports Reporter
How Mine coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube feels his side is on the right track in their preparations for a maiden dance with the Caf Confederation Cup tournament.
The Premiership new-boys will start their campaign at home when they host FC Chuoni of Zanzibar at Barbourfields in the first leg of the preliminary round tie next week.
And after watching his side in two friendly matches against Harare City and Dynamos at the weekend, Ncube yesterday said he needed to “panel-beat” a few areas ahead of Saturday’s game.
“Basically we were trying combinations and so far we are on the right track. The two matches gave us the direction to take and we are going to work from these results. The time of preparations is always not enough but then we are somewhere with the team. Perhaps 85 percent prepared. We have to change the gear and bring in other players that we think will add value.
“We reserved them (yesterday) because of certain knocks that we needed them to recover from. Come Saturday we will be ready,” said Ncube.
Zimbabwe’s Confederation Cup representatives, who retained the bulk of their squad from last season, fielded some of their new signings like Moris Kadzola, George Magariro, James Chitereki, Marvel Samaneka, Kuda Musharu, Emmanuel Mandivenga and Edmore Muzanenhamo in the two matches.
Ncube said they are hoping to make an impact in their maiden appearance in the inter-club competitions although they are not sure what to expect.
“Playing in Africa is a motivation in itself. It is mileage to the players and to the technical team. We have juniors here who need to learn.
“I only know the name. I don’t know anything about them, even the height or the complexion. Our game on Saturday will be a new game altogether.
“We are preparing for the unknown. I don’t know if they know us either,” Ncube said.
Online Reporter