adminHwange, who finished fourth in the Castle Lager Premiership last season, have been drawn against Jamhuri of Zanzibar in the preliminary round that starts next month.
Chipangano are making a return to the same competition after making an appearance in 1993 in the then African Cup of Cup Winners.
Hwange were bundled out 3-1 on aggregate by Kenyan Breweries in the early rounds and another attempt to play in 2005 backfired when they withdrew before playing Costa do Sol of Mozambique.
The coal miners were slapped with a three-year ban from Caf competitions.
But now Hwange are hoping to give their best shot this year and club secretary Burzil Dube yesterday said they were tracking two Botswana sides for friendlies.
“We are starting serious preparations next week.
“Nothing had been finalised but we are looking at camping in Mana Pools or Hippo Valley.
“At the same time we are also hoping to play a couple of international friendlies.
“Right now we have agreed in principle with Mochudi Centre Chiefs.
“Another side from Botwsana, Township Rollers, have also agreed in principle and we are looking at playing these games before the end of January.
“Once we agree on everything, then we should notify the PSL as per procedure,” said Dube.
Former Warriors and Highlanders coach Madinda Ndlovu is currently in charge of Mochudi Centre Chiefs. Hwange have registered 25 players and will be hoping that the experience of Farayi Vimisayi and Daniel
Kamunenga will come in handy.
Vimisayi played African Champions League football with Dynamos last year while Kamunenga featured for Mwana Africa in 2007.
In addition to Vimisayi and Kamunhenga, Hwange have also registered Tawanda Mareya who also played for Mwana Africa.
The coal miners secured Allan Tawarwisa and Erick Chipeta from Dstv Rangers while former national team defender Obert Mpofu is back.
Mpofu spent the last couple of seasons playing for Pretoria University in South Africa but has retraced his footsteps back to Hwange.
Hwange manager, Tenant Chilumba, had also raided his homeland Zambia for Aaron Katebe and Scott Lombe. Seasoned campaigners David Boriwondo, Gilbert Zulu, Alick Nyoni and goalkeeper Timothy Sibanda have been retained although the side severed ties with gangly striker Tongai Mangwendere who has been snapped up by Motor Action.
Motor Action are also making an appearance in the Caf Confederations Cup where they are meeting South Africa’s Black Leopards in the preliminary round.
Online Reporter