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Philani “Beefy” Ncube

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
INJURIES dog How Mine FC ahead of their Premiership match against Black Rhinos at Luveve Stadium today.
The miners’ coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube is fretting about his injured quartet of reliable captain Gilbert Banda, talented midfielder Edmore “Digo” Muzanenhamo, Brighton Dube and goalkeeper Ephraim Mazarura.

Dube was introduced when the NetOne One Wallet Sup8r tie was about to get into a penalty shootout and scored the last spot kick that booted Bosso out of the cup while Banda, Mazarura and Muzanenhamo played the entire game.

Already, How Mine are without midfield kingpin Menard Mupera who has a plaster and has been sidelined for six weeks.

“We are keeping our fingers crossed that Gilbert, Ephraim, Digo and Brighton pass late fitness tests tomorrow morning. They will be in camp but we have also brought in replacements should they fail the tests. These players are key in our squad and we need them, especially for this game as we try to revive our title ambitions,” said Ncube.

Black Rhinos beat How Mine 1-0 in their last meeting and it is a result that Ncube admits they have to turn around.

“Surely we can’t lose to the same team twice. Our target as we enter the second round is simple, to win the first five games so that we catch up with the title chasing pack. It’s unfortunate that we finished the first half on a decline but we have a capable squad that can get us results,” said Ncube.

Should Mazarura fail to recover on time, either Young Warriors goalkeeper Donovan Bernard or Nonjabulo Dube will fight for a starting place.

Ncube might also change his style of play if Banda is ruled out, pairing George Magariro and Nyasha Mukumbi at central defence with Morris Kadzola deployed as the right back while James Chitereki will be forced to drop from midfield to left back ahead of Nelson Tachi.

Striker Kuda Musharu who has hit a dry spell will lead How Mine’s attack alongside Wonder Sithole with Xolisani “Scara” Moyo, Thembani “Smaller” Masuku, Godfrey Nguwodzawo and Heritein Masuku pulling strings in midfield.

The army side comes to Bulawayo with a new technical team headed by Jostein Mathuthu who is being assisted by former Highlanders goalkeeper Britto Gwere, Gift “Guava” Kamuriwo and Lazarus Muhoni.

Kamuriwo and Muhoni were recalled by the army from Zifa Northern Region Division One outfit Twalumba where they had been part of the technical team.

Chipembere will pin their hopes on Charles Chiutsa, Wonder Kapinda, Bruce Homora, Lot Chiunga and Herbert Rusawo.