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ZIMBABWE’S representatives in the Confederation Cup How Mine are set to leave today for the return leg of the second round tie against the Nigerian side Bayelsa United. The teams will clash in Nigeria this Saturday and Chikurupati carry a slender lead from the 2-1 win at Barbourfields last weekend.
The Zimbabwean newcomers will be hoping to hold on to their advantage in their battle for a mini-league play-off place in the next round.
Club secretary Jams Zibowa said the Bulawayo gold miners are expected to go via Johannesburg, with football administrator Robert Tembo, as their head of delegation.
“The team is leaving Bulawayo tomorrow (today) and sleep over in South Africa. We are expecting to get our flight to Nigeria Thursday morning 7am and then by 5pm we should be there.
“I understand the game is on Saturday and we hope to acclimatise fast,” said Zibowa.
How Mine coach Philani Ncube says Bayelsa United gave them a tough contest.
Ncube yesterday said they were expecting a very difficult away assignment.
“It’s going to be a tough one. I can say we are going into the lion’s den because they are the home team and they are a big team in Nigeria.
“But we are happy we managed to win here, at least, and now we are focusing on the coming challenge.
“Bayelsa are a very good side, very physical and strong but they have their own weaknesses which we hope to exploit.
“The guys are eager to play them and we just need maximum concentration,” said Ncube.
There was concern for the Bulawayo side as their midfield pair of Timothy January and Warren Dube were unavailable for the trip after failing to recover from injuries on time.
The medical team was also still monitoring chief striker Kuda Musharu, who is having problems with a toe injury.
The rest of the team, though, is fit and there are no major changes expected to the side that played the first leg.
How Mine needed a late penalty converted by veteran midfielder Menard Mupera to beat the Nigerians after free-scoring defender Morris Kadzola had levelled the terms in the second half.
Bayelsa United scored first through Bernard Okorowanta, who found the target soon after the break.
Ncube was unhappy with the numerous scoring opportunities that his side wasted in the first leg and dedicated a good part of his time this week to finishing.
How Mine have indicated they will go all out in attack as they hope to build on their slender lead in their quest for a group stage play-off slot.
The Nigerians should be fancying their chances after getting the vital away goal.
Bayelsa United beat Congolese side AS Kondzo 2-0 to qualify into the second round after getting a bye in the preliminaries. How Mine had a good start as they posted a big win over FC Chuoni of Zanzibar with a 6-1 aggregate win in the preliminary round before edging Seychelles side St. Michel 6-4 after two legs.
Bayelsa are based in Bayelsa State, in the heart of the Niger Delta region, in southern Nigeria.
Online Reporter