Big boys eye chibuku Cup

THERE is something more than just the bragging rights at stake when the Chibuku Super Cup gets into full swing this weekend with the spotlight naturally falling on giants Dynamos, Highlanders and CAPS United’s quest for silverware.

None of DeMbare, Bosso and Makepekepe are in the running for the league championship and this $500 000 tournament offers them a big chance for redemption.

But with the Chibuku Super Cup notorious for producing upset results over the years, the traditional giants know they wil have to negotiate tricky encounters today and tomorrow as clubs bid for the right to represent Zimbabwe in the CAF Confederation Cup.

FC Platinum, Ngezi Platinum and two-time winners Harare City have dominated the tournament since its return in 2014.

Defending champions Harare City got the ball rolling yesterday with a 1-0 win over Bulawayo City at Rufaro.

Today ailing giants Dynamos will take to the pitch against unpredictable Bulawayo Chiefs while league champions FC Platinum, who are aiming for a league and cup double, host Chapungu at their Mandava fortress.

2016 Chibuku Super Cup winners Ngezi Platinum welcome newboys Yadah at Baobab as Black Rhinos and Nichrut complete the day’s fixture programme at the National Sports Stadium.

Former Cup Kings CAPS United, who had a disappointing outing last year, will get their campaign in motion against in-form ZPC Kariba at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow.

With the league title now beyond them, Makepekepe have not made it a secret that they are targeting the Chibuku Super Cup.

Lloyd Chitembwe’s men are desperate to return to Africa and the Chibuku Super Cup presents them with that prospect.

Last year Makepekepe were disqualified and fined $2 000 following the ugly incidents that led to the abandonment of the match against Shabanie Mine after 65 minutes when referee Thomas Kusosa was injured by hooligans in the quarter-final clash at Maglas.

While Chitembwe and his men sounded upbeat, there were worries over Kudzanayi Nyamupfukudza and their top goalscorer in the league, John Zhuwawu, who have been fighting off injuries.

The Green Machine’s rivals Dynamos are also keen on the Chibuku Super Cup to atone for their poor run in the league this year.

But they are likely to miss some of their key players who include Peace Makaha, Kingston Nkhata, Obey Mwerahari and James Marufu because of injuries.

The giants have suffered first round exits in the previous two editions but defender Phakamani Dube sounded confident the Glamour Boys will be able to turn around their fortunes in the knockout tournament.

“This is the time that we have to turn the tables around. Looking at how the guys have been training, everyone is ready for this tournament. We are all putting 120 percent.

“As a club, I think we have been through such depressing situations like we are experiencing in the league. What is needed is to be together as a family in such times together with our supporters, push each other to achieve the turnaround.

“In the last game that we played (against Harare City) our performance had peaked and as we go into this game one or two things will improve and we are looking forward to a good result.

“I am sure everything is going to be fine by the end of this tournament and going back to the league we expect better performances,” said Dube.

Bulawayo Chiefs are bracing for the challenge and their coach, Garthly Chipuka, said they are aware of what awaits them at Rufaro.

“We have not been playing well lately and they (Dynamos) are not having a good run either, so it’s going to be a tale of two struggling teams.

“The only challenge is that in the first half of the season we had a much more experienced side compared to what we have right now. So the youngsters are most likely to be affected by the crowd, but I still have confidence in them,” said Chipuka.

Highlanders also have a tricky assignment against Yadah at Barbourfields tomorrow.

Bosso coach Madinda Ndlovu has since declared his desire to lift the rebranded Chibuku Cup for the first time with Highlanders.

This year’s winners are expected to compete in next year’s tournament which will begin in December 2019, following changes in the CAF format.

CHIBUKU SUPER CUP FIXTURES Today

FC Platinum v Chapungu (Mandava), Ngezi Platinum v Herentals (Baobab), Black RhinosvNichrut(NSS),DynamosvBulawayo Chiefs (Rufaro) Tomorrow

Highlanders v Yadah (Barbourfields), CAPS United v ZPC Kariba (NSS), Triangle United v Shabanie Mine (Gibbo).