adminEddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
HOW Mine coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube is excited by his new signing Kuda Musharu who has banged three goals in two Caf Confederation Cup games but wants the striker to keep a cool head and concentrate on developing his game.
Musharu scored a brace in the first leg of their preliminary round tie to propel the gold miners to a convincing 4-0 thumping of Zanzibar side FC Chuoni in their maiden game of the Caf inter-club competition at Barbourfields two weeks ago.
The former Monomotapa hitman, who joined How Mine during the off-season, then capped the round with another goal away in the East Africa archipelago, for their 2-1 victory which effectively sealed their place in the first round.
Ncube yesterday said he has been impressed by Musharu but feels the player needs to work harder to realise his full potential this season.
“Kuda is doing very well. He is enjoying good form and is scoring goals, which is something very encouraging for a player of his calibre.
“We are just hoping that he continues with the scoring form. But what is important for him is to keep his head down and concentrate on his game.
“He should not put himself under unnecessary pressure,” said Ncube.
The Bulawayo outfit made an impressive start in their opening round with a 6-1 thrashing of Zanzibar side FC Chuoni.
Ncube said they were looking to ride on the momentum, taking each game as it comes as they now prepare for next week’s first round tie against ASSM Elgeco Plus of Madagascar.
How Mine are still looking to polish up their act and have lined up a warm-up match against Premiership returnees Chapungu at Ascot tomorrow.
Dynamos, who are playing in the Champions League, have also lined up a friendly game away at Buffaloes in preparation for the first round clash against AS Vita of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Dynamos beat Botswana side Mochudi Centre Chiefs 4-1 on aggregate and will begin the first round at home next Saturday at the National Sports Stadium.
DeMbare, however, are still worried by their away form after drawing the second leg of the preliminary round against Mochudi Centre Chiefs 1-1.
However, How Mine, unlike their more illustrious countrymen who have been struggling on the road, showed flashes of their pedigree by winning their match 2 000km away from home last week with Musharu and Thembani Masuku on target. The victory has given their coach Ncube confidence.
“I think we are on the right track. So far so good but in terms of match fitness I can say we are now 85 percent up there. We still need to work on that aspect,” said Ncube.
How Mine could be new in this tournament but the experience in their squad is priceless.
A good number of their players have played in continental competitions before, including both the Confederation Cup and the Champions League.
They have some of the most experienced players in the domestic league in the form of veteran defenders Hebert Dick, George Magariro, Nyasha Mukumbi, defensive link Menard Mupera, Wonder Sithole, Marvel Samaneka and goalkeeper Ephraim Mazarura.
Ncube understands that a good show at home almost always determines the team’s destiny in African football competitions and they are looking for a positive result when they host the Malagasy side in the first leg at Barbourfields next Saturday.
“We are preparing hard because we know how important it is to make good use of home advantage.
“Fortune knocks once at a man’s door. When we have the opportunity to play in familiar home conditions we should grab that chance with both hands.
“As I have said before, we are in this tournament to compete but since it is our first experience we have to take each game as it comes,” said Ncube.
ASSM Elgeco Plus qualified for the first round courtesy of a 7-6 victory over St. Michels of Seychelles in a penalty shoot-out.
The teams had drawn 2-2 on aggregate, with Elgeco Plus winning the first leg 2-1 at home and then going down by the same margin in the return leg to force a penalty shoot-out.
Online Reporter