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How Mine FC captain Gilbert Banda blocks a move by Bayelsa FC’s Bernard Okovowanja while teammate Nyasha Mukumbi watches in the first leg of the second round Orange Caf Confederations Cup match played at Barbourfields Stadium on Saturday

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S Orange Caf Confederation Cup representatives How Mine FC are confident of finishing off Nigeria’s Bayelsa United in their backyard when they clash in the return leg of the second round.
How Mine coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube is likely to maintain the squad that beat the Nigerians 2-1 at Barbourfields Stadium on Saturday.
In an interview after yesterday’s training session, Ncube said they are going to West Africa with an offensive side.

“It is going to be tough playing them in Nigeria but we have nothing to lose and we are going to attack from the onset. We cannot go there wanting a draw as that might be detrimental to our hopes of progressing to the next stage.

“It’s unfortunate we conceded a goal at home but the good thing is that we managed to fight back into the game.
“The other thing that we need to do is to make maximum use of the scoring chances that we create because we might end up paying dearly for fluffing them. We are yet to decide on the team that will travel but there won’t be major changes,” Ncube said.

Chikurupati, as How Mine are known, got their goals through rightback Morris Kadzola with veteran Menard Mupera scoring from the penalty spot towards the end of the match.

Bayelsa United had taken an early second half lead through midfielder Bernard Okorowanta. The resultant goal came after Brighton Dube had overlapped and the Nigerians used his flank to get their goal.

How Mine players were wasteful in front of goal with James Chitereki guilty of fluffing those scoring opportunities that came his way.
As usual, Kuda Musharu tormented the visitors’ defence playing as a lone striker.

Though going for a kill, Ncube might decide to travel with experienced Hebert Dick who watched from the terraces while captain Gilbert Banda partnered Nyasha Mukumbi in central defence with Kadzola and Dube playing as wingbacks.

Also on song for How Mine was Edmore “Digo” Muzanenhamo who combined well with the quartet of Mupera, Thembani Masuku, Chitereki and Xolisani “Scara” Moyo before making way for Wonder Sithole with 20 minutes remaining.

How Mine leave the country tomorrow and will get a connecting flight at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday.
Ncube expects a hostile reception.

“We are prepared for anything because if we think that they will give us a warm welcome, then we will be fooling ourselves. I expect our seasoned players to help others adapt,” he said.

Bayelsa United coach Richard Bubagha said they would beat How Mine at home.
“They won here and we are also going to beat them at home. There is no way that they will beat us at home,” Bubagha said.

The Nigerians are 2009 Orange Caf Confederation Cup losing semi-finalists and last participated in the continental clubs’ competition in 2010 in the Caf Champions League where they failed to go beyond the preliminary round.

The Yenagoa side finished last season third on the log and earned the ticket to play in the Caf Confederation Cup.