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Sheunesu Chaka

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
HOW Mine FC interim coaches Jeremiah Makota and Sheunesu Chaka are confident of securing their first victory in charge on Saturday when they take on league leaders Chicken Inn at Luveve Stadium.

Makota and Chaka took over last month after Luke Masomere threw in the towel after a six-match winless run and have been in charge of two matches, which they lost 0-3 to ZPC Kariba in a Chibuku Super Cup game and drew 0-0 against Whawha in a league encounter.

How Mine are ninth on the league table with 32 points; 10 points above the drop zone after going for eight games without a win. They have drawn three games and lost five.

The gold miners’ last victory was way back on July 12 when they edged army side Buffaloes 1-0.

After the Chicken Inn encounter, How Mine will face Harare City (away), Flame Lily (home), Caps United (away), Dongo Sawmill (home) and Chapungu (away).

Chaka said they had been working hard for a victory and were confident they will get the elusive win this Saturday.

“I think what’s key is that we’re not under any sort of pressure. Our next game is a derby and I believe it’s a tricky game for both teams, but we’re confident of getting a positive result. It won’t be easy, but everyone has shown commitment towards fighting for a win. Everyone is aware of the bad spell that we’ve endured and is looking forward to turning the corner sooner by getting a win against Chicken Inn,” said Chaka.

He said they would go into the game as underdogs since they are playing the championship favourites. This is despite the fact that How Mine has a number of experienced players who have won the PSL title before.

Players such as skipper Gilbert Banda, Benjamin Marere, Wonder Sithole and Kuda Musharu have PSL winners’ medals in their homes.

The quartet of Banda, Marere, Sithole and Kusharu should play a pivotal role for the gold miners to emerge victorious on Saturday.

Also at How Mine’s disposal against the Gamecocks are national Under-23 goalkeeper Donovan Bernard, Tawanda Muparati, Heritein Masuku, Nyasha Mukumbi, Tapiwa Khumbuyani, Morris Kadzola, Menard Mupera and Young Warriors striker Mgcini Sibanda.

The miners have beefed up their defence by signing former Dynamos centre-back Victor Kamhuka last week. Kamhuka was a free agent and made his debut against Whawha.

Chaka said pint-sized winger Timothy January, Sithole and Khumbuyani are carrying light knocks that their team doctors are assessing and expect them to be available for selection.

How Mine should expect a tough encounter against Chicken Inn, who are on 49 points, four ahead of FC Platinum and defending champions Dynamos.

For Chicken Inn, a victory will see them moving closer to the title and it remains to be seen if How Mine will do Dynamos and FC Platinum a favour by slowing down the Gamecocks’ march.