‘We’re happy to be here’

start today. They have appointed 23-year old Rodwell Chinyengetere as their new captain to lead the side in the quest for glory. Herald Sports Reporter Eddie Chikamhi interviewed the attacking midfielder just before the team’s departure this week.
EC: What’s the feeling in the Hwange camp after getting this rare opportunity to play in an African tournament?
RC: Playing in Africa is an achievement any team on the continent would be happy to attain. Just like everyone in the team, the people in Hwange are happy with our participation. The community has been longing for this opportunity and it’s good for them to see African teams coming to play in the town.
EC: Most of you guys are new to the African safari, do you think this is going to be a daunting task playing in Confed Cup for the first time?
RC: I think we are up for it. Everyone is geared for the challenge. We have been working tirelessly in recent weeks and the coaches have done their best to give us confidence and helping us to believe in ourselves.
EC: Many usually falter at the first time, how big is the challenge in your hands?
RC: I can’t say it’s an insurmountable challenge but playing a team that has qualified for a Caf tournament means you need to be adequately prepared.
EC: You have been off-season while the Zanzibar football league was in action. Are you not worried about issues of fitness?
RC: We might not be 100 percent in terms of fitness but we are almost there. We played a couple of friendly games recently and it looks like we are coming up.
E.C: What are the expectations back home in Hwange?
RC: Obviously the people want good results but we must not also forget that it’s not only about Hwange. We are representing the nation and I am sure the whole of Zimbabwe is behind us. We wouldn’t want to set ourselves very huge targets at this moment but as players we are promising to do our best to make the nation proud. We hope to do well in the qualifying rounds and reach the mini-league. That is our aim.
EC: You are beginning away and then finish at home. How crucial is the task in Zanzibar?
RC: We don’t know much about our opponents but the first leg usually determines the direction of the contest. If we win away, then there are good chances to finish on top when we come here for the return leg. It also eases pressure so we are looking forward to a win.
EC: You are the new captain. What are the objectives for the year?
RC: Our wish this season is to finish on top of the table and play in the Champions League next year. How you start your campaign can be very crucial in determining your fate at the end of the season. We didn’t have a good start last year but we are hoping for the best this time around.
EC: What was the secret behind the fine run in the second half of the season last year?
R.C: It happens in football that sometimes results just do not come when, in fact, you think you are putting in everything. We had a poor start last year and we talked about it at length. The second half of the season was fantastic because we played our hearts out, everyone. There was this feeling that we were sinking and we were all determined to work harder. Most importantly we played as a team and we fought hard to finish in the top four.
EC: Lastly, where did you come from before joining Hwange?
RC: To be frank football wasn’t meant to be my career although I played at school (Sanyati Baptist High). My family wanted me to pursue academic studies but somehow I just ended up in the game. I played for Zimbabwe Saints in 2009 before coming to Hwange.