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. Raymond Jaravaza
If football matches were won by how much money one has in their pocket, teams such as How Mine would be the most successful ahead of debt laden teams such as Highlanders and Dynamos.
However, ita��s not the case thata��s why at the start of the season How Mine used their money to buy the a�?besta�? available talent on offer but output on the playing field has been somewhat lackluster.
If the team has it their way, they would represent the country at the CAF Confederation Cup next year. The only hurdle between those hopes and dreams is the ways and means.
They have to win the Chibuku CupA� but not before they go past trailblazing Highlanders FC in the quarter-finals of the Chibuku Cup at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday to march on.
a�?Financial stability to play in Africa is not a problem,a�? said the cluba��s chairman Paul MacAndrews.
How Mine is sponsored by Metallon Gold the largest gold producer in the country.A� With gold prices firming, in August the company saw a nine percent jump in gold production to 22,565 ounces from 20,673 produced in the first quarter. They have money to spend!
a�?As a club we just have to show the sponsors that we have what it takes to play in Africa and take it from there,a�? he added.
In 2014, the team made their maiden appearance at the CAF Confederation Cup but bowed out in the second round on a 2-3 aggregate to Bayelsa United FC of Nigeria.
In the past teams such as Highlanders have failed to commit themselves to the CAF Confederations Cup citing lack of funds.
There are no monetary incentives for clubs in the early stages of the continental competition. Huge windfalls are guaranteed in the group stages right up to the finals.
Although How Mine are the home team according to the draw conducted in Gweru on Tuesday and would have preferred to meet Bosso in their traditional home ground Luveve Stadium, the large numbers of fans expected to turn up for the match forced the club hierarchy to consider the much bigger Barbourfields Stadium.
a�?Considering the great form our opponents are currently in playing at Luveve Stadium is just not viable. We will have to settle for Barbourfields Stadium, ita��s not such a bad option because the match will still be in Bulawayo.
a�?We are the underdogs, which will work in favour as we have already taken out one giant,a�? he said.
How Mine beat Dynamos 5-4 on penalties in the first round of the cup competition in Harare on 18 September.
Fixtures:
How Mine vs Highlanders
Triangle United vs FC Platinum
ZPC Kariba vs Harare City
Ngezi Platinum vs Tsholotsho FC
Online Reporter