HWANGE coach Tennant Chilumba is comfortable with the underdogs' tag against Dynamos but the coal-miners have promised a tough outing for the defending champions in the semi-finals of the Bob ‘88 Super Cup at Barbourfields tomorrow.

Hwange are stepping up their preparations for the new season and Chilumba said he will unleash his best players in this match, which he said is a good opportunity to help their pre-season workout.

The coal-miners began training early in the month and are still fresh from a tour of South Africa where they played the Absa Premiership champions Orlando Pirates last week.

Although they lost the match 1-0, Chilumba said he is looking forward to improved performances in their second outing against DeMbare.

"It's always a big motivation in itself to play Dynamos because they are a big team that is even recognised in Africa. But the good thing is that we have played them before and we know what to expect," he said.

"Dynamos have supporters everywhere, so they are more like the home team when playing at a neutral venue like Barbourfields.

"But we are not worried about that because if you remember well last year we got most of our points away from home.

"We need to close them down and make sure that we are always get first to the ball and at the end of the day we hope to finish positively."

The Zambian mentor believes Hwange are on course in their preparations as they will be fighting on two fronts this year.

The coal-miners will represent Zimbabwe in the Confederation Cup and are also hoping to challenge for honours in the Castle Lager Premiership.

Chilumba said he was excited to face Dynamos at this stage and has vowed to unleash his best players.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for us because we are not only preparing for Dynamos but for more commitments coming up in the season.

"We have virtually a new-look team and I am happy the players are getting along well.

" I am not surprised because most of our new players have played in the Premiership before and the juniors who are coming up are not new to the system.

"Everyone knows what is at stake," said Chilumba.

Hwange have roped in quality players like the former Monomotapa and Blue Ribbon midfielder Daniel Kamunenga, Tawanda Mareya, Evans Rusike and Farai Vimisayi who returned to the club following the expiry of his loan agreement to Dynamos.

They also managed to retain their best players from the previous season who include Rodwell Chinyengetere, Andrew Chuma, Gerald Ndlovu, Thonisani Sibelo, Ocean Mpofu, Soccer Star of the Year finalist, Nkosana Siwela, goalkeepers - Timothy Sibanda and Petros Mhari.

However, Hwange are aware of the task awaiting them as Dynamos will be aiming to begin their title defence on a positive note.

DeMbare thrashed Premiership newboys Quelaton in their first warm-up game in Gweru last week with a brace each from Rodreck Mutuma and new signing Tineyi Chitora.

Utility player Thomas Magorimbo, who has been switched from the wingbacks to the midfield, seems to be adapting well as he scored in his new position while Denver Mukamba weighed in with another goal last week.

Assistant coach, Tonderai Ndiraya, said they would want to build on the momentum but also admitted Hwange will not be easy opponents.

The coaches have many options with fierce competition for places in the team evident at the club's training sessions.

But another goal harvest looks unlikely against the seasoned campaigners.

Ndiraya this week said Dynamos will not be carried away by the big victory over Quelaton since it is still early in the season.

Ndiraya believes Hwange are much stronger than Quelaton and said they are more likely to get a real test from the coal-miners.

"We are still working on a lot of things since we only started preparations last week but I can say so far it's good enough ahead of the Bob Super Cup tie against Hwange," said Ndiraya.

Dynamos are preparing for the Champions League tournament beginning in the first round in March while Hwange have a preliminary round date against Jamhuri of Zanzibar next month.