Axis Super8 Cup starts

THE ZIFA Northern Region Division One League’s flagship Axis Super8 Cup gets underway tomorrow.

All roads will lead to Wadzanai in Shamva for the Match One fixture between Simba Bhora and Chegutu “Dzinza” Pirates.

The Shamva hosts have been in destructive form in their backyard.

They are yet to drop a point at home in the league this season.

They have also roped in Paul “Popopo” Chimalizeni, as an assistant coach, to boost a technical team led by Arthur “Tuts” Tutani.

Chegutu Pirates, who are popularly known as the Ancestors, pose a real challenge to the high-flying Simba Bhora.

When the two sides met at Pfupajena, in a league match, earlier this season, they shared the spoils.

Dzinza coach, Richard Chunga, labelled Tutani’s troops as the easiest opponents they could have chosen in the draw.

Chunga’s men also ended Herentals Under20’s 11-game unbeaten run.

The contest will present a chance for Dzinza, who claim to be the mother of all football clubs in this country, to justify their wild claims.

“We are ready for the match, I believe we have a good side which is capable of eliminating Simba Bhora,” said Pirates veteran midfielder, Rafael Manuvire.

“The team showed its potential by qualifying for this tournament, it wasn’t easy but everyone was determined to complete the first round in the top eight and we achieved our target.

“We are now shifting our focus to an uphill task but nothing is certain in football, it’s a game of 90 minutes and either side has to score to be a winner.

“Yes, they have an edge since they are playing at home, but we are going to try our best for our fans.”

The Axis Solutions Super8 Cup Match Day 2 will see Herentals Under-20 hosting Black Mambas at Morris Sports Club.

Black Mambas were thumped 0-3 in their previous assignment by the Young Students at the same venue.

Match Day 3 is slated for Baobab on April 23 where Gilbert Mushangazhike’s Golden Eagles will take on Ngezi Under-19.

The two sides settled for a stalemate when they wrapped up the first round of the league season at the same stadium.

The last fixture of the quarter finals will take place on April 24, when Commando Bullets take on Trojan United, who booked their place in the final game of the first round.

Axis Solutions Super8 Cup Match Day 1 winners will meet Match Day 2 winners in the semi-finals on April 30.

The Match Day 3 winners will also make a date with Match Day 4 winners on May 1.