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Kuda Musharu

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
HOW Mine FC striker Kuda Musharu is yet to reach his peak despite scoring six goals in four Orange Caf Confederation Cup matches, coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube said yesterday.The former Monomotapa hitman who joined the club in January has been one of the players that have settled with ease at the gold miners, immediately repaying their faith in him by scoring crucial goals for How Mine who are making their maiden appearance in continental showpiece.

Musharu opened his goal scoring account for the remaining Zimbabwe’s representatives in the Caf clubs competitions with a brace at home last month against Chuoni FC of Zanzibar who they beat 4-0 in the first leg of the preliminary round. The striker was on target in the reverse fixture in Zanzibar which How Mine won 2-1.

How Mine went on to rout St Michel of Seychelles 5-1 at home in the first leg of the first round of the Orange Caf Confederation Cup but found the going tough in the second leg as they found themselves 3-0 by halftime in the return leg.

Faced with a possibility of being knocked out by a club who they had convincingly walked over in the first leg, Musharu struck a priceless goal in the second half of that match which saw How Mine proceeding to the second round of the tournament on a 6-4 aggregate win.

On Saturday How Mine will play host to Bayelsa United of Nigeria in the first leg of the second round with Musharu expected to continue with his scoring for his new team.

However, Ncube does not want to exert pressure on the ex-Monomotapa gunman and credits teamwork for their success.

“It will be folly for me to say because of Kuda (Musharu) alone we have managed to get to where we are. Musharu is just doing his job as a striker and I am content with how he has settled but I think he is still far from reaching his full potential.

“If he keeps his head down and continue working very hard believe you me he will score more for us both in the local league and Orange Caf Confederation Cup. What he has to work on is his conversion rate and even bury the half chances that come his way,” Ncube said.

The 2009 Coach of the Year winner has been using Musharu as a lone striker because he is the only striker that they registered for their Orange Caf Confederation Cup campaign.

Complemented by a good midfield unit, Musharu has benefitted a lot from his teammates and it seems they understand him very well as they are able to read his off and on the ball movements.

Last Saturday when they were held to a goalless draw by Mushowani Stars from the Zifa Northern Region Division One Soccer League, Musharu missed a penalty. That infuriated his gaffer.

“I want him (Musharu) to continue scoring  so that he builds confidence but I hate it when he fails to score a penalty. Penalties are like half  chances and I expected Musharu to score since he had taken the responsibility normally left for Menard Mupera.

“His strength is taking opponents head on and harassing defenders as well as scoring but I expect him to understand the importance of teamwork and knowing his weaknesses as well. I see he has a big heart by stepping forward for penalties but I want him to score from open play rather than those dead balls,” Ncube said.

He is aware that if Musharu is  kept under lock and key by their opponents his midfielders will find the back of the net.

“What we are building is a complete team not just to trust in an individual. We have midfielders who score which means that even if they mark out Musharu someone else will score.”

Mupera, Warren Dube, Thembani Masuku and defender Morris Kadzola have been on target in the Orange Caf Confederation Cup.
The miners will bank their hopes on skipper Gilbert Banda, Brighton Dube, Xolisani Moyo, Edmore Muzanenhamo and goalkeeper Ephraim Mazarura when they take on Bayelsa United at the weekend hoping for a big win.