HARARE - After a fairytale run in the African Confederations Cup in which they were eliminated in the last round of qualifiers, How Mine coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube has now set his sights on wrestling the Castle Premiership title from Dynamos this season.
How Mine, who are in their second year in the top-flight league, will get their 2014 campaign underway with a cagey match against the record champions at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
Chikurupati had an impressive run in their first ever continental assignment, posting some impressive results before being knocked out in the second round by Nigerian side Bayelsa United 3-2 on aggregate.
The miners now look serious title contenders after acquiring several seasoned players in the off-season and Ncube insists there are plenty of positives to take from their African sojourn.
Ncube, though, was quick to remind his players to put their Confederations Cup exit out of their minds immediately and start focusing on their first league match against DeMbare.
“We want to start on a appositive note. We have to quickly dive back into Premiership and the disappointment has to spur us on domestically,” Ncube told Daily News yesterday.
“We had a good run in the Confederations Cup and what is important now is to transform that form onto the domestic front. We will try to do our best, just as we wanted to do our best in the Confederations Cup.
“We have been preparing positively and we are not under any pressure to win the championship. We want to surpass our position from last season. We are expecting a tough season because everyone has been working hard.
“We will try to win cups this season. We have assembled a good side with experienced players who can play at the highest level.”
Last season, How Mine shocked DeMbare 1-0 in the reverse fixture having suffered a 3-0 defeat in the first leg before knocking Calisto Pasuwa’s men out of the Mbada Diamonds Cup with another 1-0 win at Rufaro Stadium.
And Ncube has warned DeMbare not to expect any favours when the two teams clash on Sunday.
“First game is always important because it sets the tonic for the season. In as much as we respect Dynamos, we are not afraid of them. We want the three points.
“It will, however, be not an easy match because Dynamos always play well at BF. So we are not underrating them as we are aware of what they are capable of doing.
“The good thing is that morale is high in our team. There is great deal of competition for places. Everyone is up and prepared for selection.”
How Mine one of the financially stabled teams in the Premiership, are backed by solid sponsorship from Metallon Gold Zimbabwe, their principal sponsors.
In addition to experienced players like goalkeeper Ephraim Mazarura, Gilbert Banda and Hebert Dick, How Mine have further bolstered their squad with new signings.
Chikurupati raided the market this year, bringing in striker Kuda Musharu from Monomotapa. Musharu went on to become a hit in their Confederations Cup, scoring six goals along the way.
They have also signed Heritani Masuku, Morris Kadzola, George Magariro, among others.
Fixtures
Tomorrow: Bantu Rovers v Black Rhinos (Luveve Stadium, SS9), Chicken Inn v Harare City (Luveve Stadium, SS9), Chapungu v Highlanders (Ascot Stadium), Chiredzi v FC Platinum (Chishamiso Stadium).
Sunday: Hwange v Buffaloes (Colliery Stadium), How Mine v Dynamos (Barbourfields Stadium, SS9), Shabanie Mine v Triangle United (Maglas Stadium), Caps United v ZPC Kariba (Gwanzura Stadium).