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Sports Reporter
HOW Mine, buoyed by their big advantage from the first leg, are hopeful of progressing to the first round of the Caf Confederation Cup when they meet Chouni at Amman Stadium in Zanzibar this afternoon.Zimbabwe’s representatives in the second-tier competition arrived in Zanzibar in the early hours of yesterday after a journey that saw them making a stopover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

How Mine are carrying a 4-0 lead from first leg at Barbourfields where a double by Kuda Musharu and further goals from Menard Mupera and Warren Dube gave them a comfortable win  they hope to defend today.

Mlondolozi Nkomo, the club’s chairman, yesterday said they were eagerly awaiting confirmation of their first round ticket.
“So far the coach has reported a clean bill of health among his players,” said Nkomo.

There will be no pressure on the Bulawayo side when they go onto the field today but coach Philani “Beefy” Mabhena has been warning his players against underrating Chouni.

“The coach said he is going all out to attack and win the game. He has been emphasising to the players on the need to avoid complacency.
“We promise to finish off this round.”

How Mine are making their maiden adventure in the African Safari but the side is made up of veteran players like goalkeeper Ephraim Mazarura who has once played for the Warriors and Democratic Republic of Congo side FC Eloi Lupopo.

Herbert Dick, now using a pair of 35-year legs, has played international football of the Warriors and with the now defunct Amazulu while George Magariro skippered Dynamos to the mini-league in the 2010 African Champions League.

How Mine also have the experienced Timothy January, Mupera, Nyasha Mukumbi while they have recruited Nicholas Arifandika and left-back Morris Kadzola.

The Bulawayo, who are owned by gold miners Metallon Gold and part of their expenses in this adventure are being paid by Mbada Diamonds.

Although they will playing in Zanzibar, How Mine will not be short of supporters as Phillip Madekufamba, a local in Zanzibar, is mobilising other Zimbabweans there to be at Amman Stadium this afternoon.