Chibuku Super Cup starts
TSHOLOTSHO coach Darlington Dodo believes his men are primed to defeat Bantu Rovers when they clash in a Chibuku Super Cup preliminary round match at Mandava this afternoon.
It is a double-header at Mandava with the two sides meeting in the 3pm match after Hwange and Yadah Stars square off in a lunch-time kick off.
Winners of these matches will progress to the first round, where the team which emerges victorious in the first match will play Chicken Inn while How Mine will entertain the winner of the other match.
Yesterday Dodo, the former Gunners coach, who has done duty in Botswana as well as with South Africa Division One clubs, says he can tactically help his troops in the crunch match.
“From the bench, I think I will help them tactically, my presence in the team is already an advantage as I have been involved in many Cup games and even the Champions League matches. I know how to motivate players for such games and the boys have been good in trying to adapt as quickly as possible,” said Dodo.
Dodo has every reason to believe as his players are naturally motivated playing in a Chibuku Super Cup where they are guaranteed some good money should they remain in the tournament.
Last week, Tsholotsho players refused to train because of unpaid dues and only met before the match.
They stunned Highlanders 1-0 last month for their first victory before making it two in row with another 2-1 win against Shabanie Mine.
Last weekend they held ZPC Kariba to a goalless draw.
“We are ready. One good thing is we managed to train this week, last week there was an industrial action.
“What has motivated them is the Cup itself. They got some money this week, but the fact that we are playing in a Cup game has boosted them.
“They want to progress to the next round. They are upbeat,” he said.
Dodo said they know Bantu Rovers can spring a surprise.
“They are in the same league as us and are a good team and we have to approach the match carefully and not underrate them.
“With Cup games, you cannot take chances and we will go into the game with a positive mind from the word go, try to be more offensive so that we get a goal,’’ he said.
Last season, 31 030 fans paid to watch 14 matches that were played across the country.
Thirty seven goals were scored during these matches with Ngezi Platinum skipper Liberty Chakoroma finishing as the top scorer with four goals.
The final has been set for November 11.
Fixtures
Chibuku Super Cup Preliminary Round: Today: Hwange v Yadah (Mandava, 1pm); Tsholotsho v Bantu Rovers (Mandava, 3pm).