adminEddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
FORMER Dynamos midfielder Wonder Sithole is excited by the prospects of playing in the Caf inter-club competitions again this year after switching to newboys How Mine who will be representing Zimbabwe in the Confederation Cup.
The midfielder is among the several signings made by the Bulawayo side as they sought to beef up their squad for the tournament which begins early next month.
The former Masvingo United and DeMbare player spent the past season at Buffaloes where he sought to resuscitate his career after recovering from a knee injury that ended his stay at the Harare giants prematurely.
Sithole, who played a vital part for DeMbare during the 2010 and 2011 campaign, is one of the experienced players in the How Mine squad that was submitted to Caf during the week.
“I have been in this situation two or three times before and I don’t think it’s something that should frighten. It’s the same old football, with the same rules,” said Sithole.
How Mine will open their account in the preliminary round at home against Chuoni of Zanzibar over the weekend of 7-9 February with the return leg set for the following week.
If they manage to get past Chuoni, How Mine will meet the winner from the other preliminary round clash between St Michel of Seychelles or ASSM Elgeco Plus of Madagascar.
“How Mine is a fairly new club and that they are playing in the Confederation Cup tournament is something that should be applauded.
“I understand there are quite a number of experienced players in that squad. That in itself is a big plus because it makes it easier for some of the youngsters to play at the high level. How Mine made 12 additions to their squad after registering players such as George Magariro, James Chitereki, Tendai Ngulube, Marvel Samaneka, Nicholas Alifandika, Kuda Musharu and Courage Denias.
But they are still negotiating with the clubs where some of these players were contracted to get clearances. The Bulawayo side built a reputation as giant-killers in their maiden season after beating the traditional Big Three — Dynamos, CAPS United and Highlanders — and will be looking to make an impression in the Confederation Cup.
They have retained most of the players who are also experienced in playing football on the continent with Hebert Dick, Nyasha Mukumbi, Gilbert Banda and goalkeeper Ephraim Mazarura making the core.
How Mine are expected to begin their pre-season training next Monday. Zimbabwe’s other representative in the Caf inter-club competitions, Dynamos, were scheduled to resume their Champions league preparations yesterday.
DeMbare continued training when the season ended but had to give the players a break for the festive holidays.
The Glamour Boys have been linked with Highlanders’ star Masimba Mambare but neither party appears ready, at the moment, to shed light on this.
Mambare is expected to return to camp with the Warriors preparing for the CHAN finals.
DeMbare can still make additions to their Caf squad, until January 15, provided they pay a US$500 penalty fee for every adjustment.
How Mine squad
Goalkeepers – Ephraim Mazarura, Njabulo Ncube, Donovan Bernard
Defenders – Brighton Dube, Morris Kadzola, Terrence Majo, James Chitereki, Herbert Dick, George Magariro, Gilbert Banda, Nyasha Mukumbi, Blessing Sande, Nelson Tachi
Midfielders – Tendai Ngulube, Menard Mupera, Xolisani Moyo, Warren Dube, Marvel Samaneka, Timothy January, Wonder Sithole, Nicholas Alifandika, Thembani Masuku, Donald Chiringa, Edmore Muzanenhamo, Eddie Nkulungo
Strikers – Simbarashe Sithole, Qinani Sibanda, Courage Denias, Kuda Musharu
Online Reporter