ZPC Hwange lift JM Nkomo Invitational cup

SOUTHERN Region Division One league runners-up ZPC Hwange will seek solace in lifting the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Invitational Cup after losing the championship to Bulawayo Chiefs.

ZPC Hwange face Bulawayo Chiefs in a quarterfinal encounter of the Trukumb Mining Enterprises sponsored tournament tomorrow at the Colliery Stadium.

The power generators’ coach Njabulo “Jayza” Dube said they are ready for Chiefs.

“We know that this match is going to be tightly contested, but we’re ready for the fight. We always play to win and this time around what further drives us is that desire to make up for losing the championship to Chiefs,” said Dube.

ZPC Hwange drew 0-0 against Chiefs a fortnight ago in a league match played in Hwange and Dube tips his charges to electrocute their opponents.

The electricity generators will bank on striker Qinani Sibanda, who has scored nine goals in the second half of the season, goalkeeper Harmon Nare, skipper Israel Mukahanana, Mlungisi Ndlovu and ex-Chiefs’ attacking midfielder Desire Shumbanhete. They also Morgan Nyoni, who has been key in their campaign.

Chiefs coach, Thulani Sibanda, said they are going to Hwange to soak pressure from their opponents and play their normal game.

“Our target was to win the championship and we did that with ease. Now we are just going there to enjoy the game, absorb pressure because we know that they will throw everything at us. My players are geared up for the game and are hungry to show that they deserve to be champions,” said Sibanda.

The ZPC Hwange-Chiefs game will be played after the Matabeleland North Under-20 select’s match against Casmyn.

Meanwhile, the Bulawayo Provincial Under20 select team will take on Black Boots at Luveve Stadium in a 12PM kick-off, with army side Indlovu Iyanyathela battling it out against Talen Vision at 3PM.

The cup competition is sponsored to the tune of $10 000 and winners will take home $2 400, with the runners-up getting $1 500. Losing semi-finalists will walk away with $700 each, while teams knocked out in the first round will each pocket $300.