admincoal-miners, who got off to a flying start with a 7-1 aggregate victory over Jamhuri in the preliminary round of the tournament, are eager to make a big impression this year.
Chilumba said Hwange were ready for the challenge at home and will be hoping to utilise the advantage to get a positive result ahead of the return match in two weeks’ time.
“We are quite aware of what is at stake in this game and we have got to remain focused.
“What is very clear is that we knew from weeks ago that we were going to play a good side from Sudan.
“We have been preparing for the game and it’s important to begin well. We wouldn’t want to concede goals here so that there will be less pressure when we go there for the second leg.
“However, this doesn’t mean we will put all men at the back on Sunday. The best way to defend is to attack so we will be going at them,” said Chilumba.
Otbara are expected to arrive in Harare this afternoon via Johannesburg before connecting to Victoria Falls on a chartered flight.
The Sudanese outfit, who are currently third in their domestic championship, had a bye in the preliminary round.
Chilumba said Hwange will not dwell much on the results from the preliminary round where they passed with flying colours.
They beat Jamhuri 3-0 away in Zanzibar before finishing off their opponents with a crushing 4-1 win at the Colliery.
Chilumba revealed he has a clean bill of health in his dressing room.
“There are no injury worries in the camp. Our strategy is not to guarantee any player a permanent place in the team.
“Everyone has to fight for his place from the squad of 30 that we registered at Caf.
“I am happy with the youth that we injected this year. The young players are gelling well and as I have said the key word is to remain focused,” said Chilumba.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwean match officials have been tasked to handle a Champions League match in Uganda this weekend.
The country’s top referee, Ruzive Ruzive, will be at the centre of the action when Uganda’s champions Revenue Authority and Malian giants Djoliba AC clash in Kampala on Saturday. Ruzive will be assisted by countrymen Bongani Gahadzikwa, Salani Ncube and Norman Matemera who will be the fourth official.
The quartet will leave this afternoon.
Online Reporter
- Herald
- July 31, 2026
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