Bots invite How Mine for a friendly

Sport
Zimbabwe’s Caf Confederation Cup representatives How Mine have been invited for a friendly match against Tafic of Botswana ahead of their first leg preliminary round tie against Chuoni FC of Zanzibar on February 8 at Barbourfields Stadium.

Zimbabwe’s Caf Confederation Cup representatives How Mine have been invited for a friendly match against Tafic of Botswana ahead of their first leg preliminary round tie against Chuoni FC of Zanzibar on February 8 at Barbourfields Stadium.

Ronald Moyo Sports Reporter

How Mine chairman Mlondolozi Nkomo confirmed the invitation, but said the club executive committee will discuss the issue tomorrow to make a decision on whether to accept it or not.

Nkomo said there is a general need to up their preparations for the continental tournament and a friendly match against the Botswana be Mobile League side which would be played on January 25 should they agree to take part, would be a boost to the team.

He, however, said although there are some benefits for travelling to Botswana, the executive will also look at the costs that the club will incur.

“The club has received the invitation. It was received by the secretary and he informed me, but I have not yet looked at it. The friendly match is not yet confirmed so we are going to meet on Monday to discuss the issue and from there we will be having a final decision. We are going to consider key factors such as costs and the benefits of going there. Generally I think the friendly comes at a good time as we are trying to shape up our team for the Confederation Cup,” Nkomo said.

How Mine head coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube did not have much to say on the proposed match as he is waiting for confirmation from his bosses, but indicated that international friendly matches were important for his charges.

“Right now I cannot comment about the Botswana friendly match. I am still waiting for confirmation, but what I can say is that such friendlies are very important when preparing for continental tournaments. They have a different complexion from our league,” Ncube said.

In strengthening their squad, the gold miners have signed former Harare City’s Tendai Ngulube Dynamos defender George Magariro, young Aces Academy goalkeeper Donovan Benard, Caps United’s Marvel Samaneka, Gunners’ James Chitereki, and Kudakwashe Musharu with former Highlanders players Graham Ncube and Heritein Masuku and veteran tough-tackling defender Zvenyika Makonese training with the side.