Hwange will play two friendly matches against Chicken Inn and Quelaton at the weekend before flying out to Zanzibar for their Orange Caf Confederation Cup preliminary round first leg football tie against Jamhuri next weekend.
The two matches take place at the Colliery before they cross the border into Zambia, connect a flight to South Africa en route to the tiny country, off the coast of Tanzania.
Club chairman Joseph Zulu yesterday confirmed the two matches and said the team would be flying out of the country between Monday and Wednesday as soon as they confirm their flights to the East African country.
Chipangano will play Chicken Inn on Saturday before taking on Premiership newcomers Quelaton 24 hours later.
“We might have to leave for Zanzibar as early between Monday and Wednesday because of the flights,” Zulu said.
Technical manager Tennant Chilumba also confirmed the friendly matches, which he said were his final preparations for the crucial away match against little-known Jamhuri.
“We are now just working on formation and tactics,” said Chilumba, who has previously said the trick is to win away and finish the job before their home crowd. Hwange came fourth in the 2011 Castle Lager Premiership season to book a berth in the competition.
The Colliery team has been undergoing a facelift in preparation for the return leg, a fortnight after next weekend.
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They started their preparations early with a training camp in Dete after which they travelled to South Africa, where they lost 1-0 to Absa Premiership champions Orlando Pirates at the Rand Stadium and held Platinum Stars to a goalless draw in Rustenburg.
A fortnight ago, Hwange beat 2011 league champions Dynamos 2-1 in the semi-final of the Bob 88 Super Cup at Barbourfields Stadium with young striker Fransisco Zvikumbawire grabbing a brace.
They meet FC Platinum, who beat Motor Action with the same scoreline at Sakubva Stadium in the final of the tournament, a week after the trip to Zanzibar.
Chilumba has urged his boys to remain focused and not lose concentration. The 2011 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Coach of the Year heaped praises on his new signings, former Zimbabwe Saints striker Evans Rusike and ex-Northern Region Division One side DStv Rangers’ Eric Chipeta after beating Dynamos.
Hwange also have experienced players in camp in the form of Farai Vimisayi and Daniel Kamunhenga and impressive midfielder Nkosana Siwela.
Other players that Hwange has registered for the Confederation Cup are veteran striker Gilbert Zulu, and defender Obert Moyo, who had a stint with Absa Premiership side Bidvest Wits before returning to the coalminers.
They also have trusted goalkeeper Timothy Sibanda and reserve Petros Mhari.
Former Shabanie Mine midfielder Tawanda Mareya and another ex -DStv Rangers player Allan Tavarwisa are also at Hwange.
