ZIMBABWE'S Confederation Cup representatives Hwange are scheduled to leave for Zanzibar tomorrow afternoon for the preliminary round clash against Jamhuri at the weekend. Hwange will be taking part in the tournament after almost two decades in the sidelines.
Club secretary, Burzil Dube, yesterday said the coal miners, whose last preparatory match against Quelaton at the weekend was rained out, will arrive on Thursday and get one day to polish up their act.
Coach Tennant Chilumba said Hwange were aiming to go further in the tournament and will be out to get a positive result in the first leg.
"We are ready for the game and we should be choosing the final squad later today (yesterday)," said Chilumba.
"I am happy there are no injuries and everyone in the team is focused. The objective is not to go there and defend because we are playing away.
"Actually we are aiming to get a positive result so that when we play the return leg at home there will be less pressure."
Hwange are one of the clubs that have shown serious commitments during the pre-season and have toured South Africa where they played Absa league champions Orlando Pirates and Black Leopards in practice games.
They also tested their strength against strong opposition when they beat reigning Premiership kings Dynamos 2-1 to progress to the finals of the Bob '88 Super Cup.
Chilumba, who was named the Castle Lager Coach of the Year after leading the side to fourth position in the league race last season, said they were ready for the challenge in Africa.
"We do not know much about Jamhuri but we gather that they are a very physical side.
"We have been working hard on our team and I think we are ready. We are not only preparing for the Confederation Cup but the league as well," said Chilumba.
Jamuri are a modest club based in one of the Zanzibar islands called Pemba, off the coast of mainland Tanzania.
They won the Zanzibar Premier League once in 2003, which remains their major success to date.
The club finished as runners-up in the Zanzibar mini league last year to seal the Confederation Cup berth while their rivals Mafunzo will be in the Champions League.
Jamhuri will be taking part in the Confederation Cup for the first time and the club's management have vowed to fend off financial difficulties to see their team through the tournament.
Zimbabwe's other Confederation Cup representatives Motor Action are scheduled to leave for South Africa on Thursday for a preliminary round first leg date against Black Leopards.
Source;: http://allafrica.com
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