HOW Mine veteran defender Gilbert Banda believes his side has what it takes to qualify for the group stages of the Caf Confederation Cup as they face St Michel of Seychelles in the first round, first leg of the football competition at Barbourfields Stadium on Saturday.
THANDIWE MOYO
Banda had been sidelined for the first two matches against Chouni of Zanzibar because he did not have a passport but has since got his travel documents in order.
“My passport is now fine. There were a few delays, but I managed to get it. I believe with my return there will be changes here and there in the team but my teammates did well in my absence,” he said. Banda said his team played well in the preliminary stage when they beat Chouni 6-1 on aggregate and said all they need to do is score a number of goals at home.
“What we need to do is to use home advantage and score a lot of goals so that when we go to Seychelles it would be easier for us. I hope my return will boost the team and we will get the goals,” Banda said.
The miners’ centre back has played with two other teams in the Confederation Cup, Highlanders and FC Platinum.
He said his experience in the competition could help their side in their aim to reach the group stages of the competition.
“I have played in the Caf Confederation Cup before and what I noted is that when you score a lot of goals at home your chances of getting to the next stage will be brighter.
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“Like I said the last time, these games only need you to use home advantage,” he said.
Coach Philani Ncube on Monday confirmed that Banda had been issued with a passport and could feature in Saturday’s team.
He was however wary of the Seychelles side as he conceded that he does not know anything about them saying he only heard that they have seven players in the national team.
St Michel is not new at Barbourfields Stadium having played Highlanders in 2000 where they fell 1-0 to the former league champions. By mid-day yesterday St Michel were still to confirm their itinerary with Zifa.
“They have not told us when they are coming. We are still waiting for their confirmation,” Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said.
