Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Petros Kausiyo
19 May 2007
Harare — A DATE with history beckons for Mwana Africa today as the Bindura miners seek to wipe out a one-goal deficit and overcome giants TP Mazembe in a Caf Confederation Cup third round tie at Rufaro.
For all their fairytale run in the Confederation Cup, Mwana Africa know they could gatecrash into the tournament's mini-league party should they overcome the 1-0 deficit they incurred at the hands of Democratic Republic of Congo champions in Kinshasa two weeks ago.
Mwana Africa claimed they could have stolen a shock win over TP Mazembe "had the playing field been level in Kinshasa", arguing that the two second half goals they scored but were disallowed by Congo Brazzaville referee Rene Louzaya could have made all the difference at the Stade de Martyrs on May 6.
But Mwana Africa would have to put all that behind them this afternoon as they face their defining moment in continental club football's second tier competition.
Not since the exploits of Blackpool in the older version of the Confederation Cup -- the African Cup of Cup Winners -- in 1995 and Dynamos in the 1998 and 1999 African Champions League competition has a local club held the nation spellbound in the continental game.
Willard Mashinkila-Khumalo's men may not be as fashionable as the "Ndochi Boys" of Blackpool who reached the African Cup Winners Cup semi-finals before falling to JS Kabylie of Algeria nor the glamour that characterised Dynamos' successive back-to-back Champions League mini-league campaigns but they have been efficient at home in the Confederation Cup.
Mwana Africa are still unbeaten at home in the Confederation Cup.
The gold and nickel miners have actually conceded only one goal at home so far in the competition, having accounted for Zanzibar upstarts Mundu SC (3-1) in a preliminary round second leg in January, Interclube of Angola (2-0) in the first round, first leg, and their stunning comeback 3-0 second round, second leg triumph over Etoile Filante Ouagadougou of Burkina Faso.
But with the US$100 000 carrot dangling in front of them as it is the basic prize for making it into the mini-league phase, the stakes are certainly much higher in this afternoon's showdown.
Mwana Africa would also have to overcome injuries and suspensions to turn on the power against such an experienced side like TP Mazembe.
The 39-member TP Mazembe delegation, which flew into Harare on a chartered plane last night, will be under pressure to atone for their failure to qualify for the Champions League mini-league phase and could make life very difficult for Mwana Africa.
And it is against the background of the high stakes and the huge task before them that Mashinkila-Khumalo yesterday challenged his charges to "rise to the occasion and be counted".
The burly coach conceded that although his players had shown their pedigree by progressing this far in the tournament, today's match provided them with their ultimate test on whether they deserve to be among an elite class of African clubs.
Mashinkila-Khumalo said he would not read much into Mwana Africa's past performances, insisting TP Mazembe still deserved to be respected and treated with caution.
"The players are in a positive mind and the morale is high in camp. I respect TP Mazembe for who they are and what I saw of them in Kinshasa and it will no doubt be a tough game at Rufaro," Mashinkila-Khumalo said.
Mashinkila-Khumalo also revealed that he could be forced to make a few changes to Mwana Africa's regular Confederation Cup side following injuries and suspensions.
Veteran defender Milos Phiri will sit out today's match after being expelled for a second bookable offence in the first leg in Kinshasa.
Phiri will join on the sidelines midfielder Stephen Alimenda who will complete his heavy four-match Caf ban today and will be hoping that Mwana Africa win this afternoon for him to play another game in the competition this year.
Mashinkila-Khumalo had hoped to use Webster Chingodza at right-back but the youthful utility player was also injured, forcing the Mwana Africa gaffer to draft former captain and midfielder Costa Maradzike into a defensive role.
"Webster was supposed to replace Milos but we will now draft Costa who is experienced and is a utility player. He has been playing in midfield but I think Costa has the experience to adjust well as a right-back.
"Obviously the red cards and the injuries have a dealt a blow to us but I believe those who will come in will also live up to expectations.
"The challenge to the players is to rise to the occasion as they have often done."
Mashinkila-Khumalo also revealed that influential player Chipo Tsodzo, who has reverted to a central striking role to boost Mwana Africa's search for goals, was also a doubtful starter due to injury.
"Chipo would have to pass a late fitness test tomorrow morning and if he does not make it, then we will have to draft Tendai Mwarura who is fit and available again or Jimmy Chikwenga (ex-Shangani Mine striker).
"But the good thing is that we remain the underdogs even though we are at home. We are not under pressure because everyone knows TP Mazembe are a more experienced team but if my boys can pick up from where they left off in Kinshasa, then we would be home and dry".
The former Warriors assistant coach also felt TP Mazembe were strong in midfield and attack.
"From midfield going forward, TP Mazembe are very comfortable on the ball, they have very quick strikers.
"Although we will be looking for an early goal, this is a different ball game and we would have to be very cautious. We will also adjust to how they will be playing and we have been telling the players not to have an element of panic if an early goal does not come our way," Mashinkila-Khumalo said.
The miners will also welcome back left-back Amid Mdelimani, who failed to last the distance in Kinshasa after receiving a knock and was subsequently rested for the 0-0 a draw against Hwange at the Colliery.
Mwana Africa can also count on reliable goalkeeper Lovemore Makwavarara to provide the inspiration between the posts while skipper Thomas Sweswe, midfield workhorse Alisara Kondowe, Daniel Kamunenga and Tawanda Mareya have also been part of the reason why the Bindura outfit are on the verge of history.
Twenty-year-old midfielder Graham Ncube has been playing with so much maturity and could also be handed another start after a fine show against Etiole Filante won him many admirers.
But with Mashinkila-Khumalo declaring his side ready for the biggest battle of their maiden dance with the Confederation Cup, the challenge ahead of today's match will also be on chairman Fraternity Ndhlela and his management to provide the real incentives that a game of this magnitude deserves and avoid the last minute haggling that has characterised some of their games in this campaign.
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