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From Ricky Zililo, in LAGOS, Nigeria
ZIMBABWE’S Orange Caf Confederation Cup representatives How Mine FC were stranded for hours at Murtala Muhamed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, with no one to welcome them for their return leg match against Bayelsa United tomorrow. After a tiring six-hour flight from Johannesburg, South Africa, the goldminers who were hoping to proceed to Sapele in the Delta State had their preparations put in disarray as they lost another day without training, sitting in the arrival lounge for more than six hours without any Nigerian Football Association officials in sight.
How Mine carry a 2-1 lead and are aiming at upsetting the Nigerian outfit in their backyard despite the hostile reception.
How Mine are likely to make the 400km journey to the match venue this morning where they are expected to get a feel of the match venue.
Head of delegation Robert Tembo and club chairman Mlondolozi Nkomo made frantic efforts to locate the Nigerian FA with the help of an official from Zimbabwe’s embassy.
“We will definitely lodge a complaint. I will write to the match commissioner when we get to Sapele about this unfair treatment. I have also communicated with Zifa advising them about these developments. this is bad for football and Caf must act on it,” Tembo said.
A disappointed How Mine chairman Mlondolozi Nkomo said they had prepared for the worst reception and are looking forward to the game. “We knew from the start that these guys would try to frustrate us using such tactics but the guys came here prepared for the worst reception. We did our research and it is always known that teams from West Africa use dirty tactics which are against the spirit of fair play.
“God is for everyone and we are determined to beat them and progress to the next stage,” Nkomo said.
How Mine need a draw or an outright win to progress to the next stage.
Kuda Musharu with six goals from five matches in the Orange Caf Confederation Cup will lead their attack with skipper Gilbert Banda, George Magariro and Nyasha Mukumbi providing cover for goalkeeper Ephraim Mazarura.
Brighton Dube who has matured with age and Morris Kadzola who scored one of the goals in the first leg will start as wingbacks.
Veteran midfielder Menard Mupera will provide stability in the midfield partnering Thembani Masuku, Xolisani Dube and Edmore Muzanenhamo.
On the bench they will have James Chitereki, Wonder Sithole who is capable of lifting the team and provide a different angle in as far as attacking options are concerned, striker Emmanuel Mandiranga, utility player Blessing Sande and Terence Majo.
Nonjabulo Dube is deputising Mazarura.
Their experienced players Banda, Mazarura, Mupera and Musharu who have played in Africa before are expected to carry the burden and lead from the park.
Online Reporter