Herentals, Chiefs in historic final
HISTORY is beckoning in the Premier Soccer League tomorrow as a new team is set to be crowned champions of the Chibuku Super Cup at Barbourfields.
The final this year features surprise packages Herentals and Bulawayo Chiefs.
The two teams, interestingly promoted at the same time in 2018, are appearing in their first-ever major cup final in the topflight league. And, Chiefs coach Thulani Sibanda yesterday said he would not want his team to miss the opportunity to go and step further and break new ground by lifting the 16-team tournament.
“It’s a lifetime opportunity to make history,” said Sibanda, who led the Bulawayo side to the Premiership for the first time, four years ago.
“Myself, as a coach, I always mention to the other guys that coaching is what you have achieved.
“You can’t be a coach for 10 years and when asked what you have, then you start explaining this and that. If you have been in coaching for five years and someone asks you how many medals you have, at least you must produce something. It shows, as a coach, you are doing something. “This does not entirely apply to me alone, but everybody else, even the executive. It’s going to be an exciting show, we are all looking forward to achieving the best.
Chiefs are set to welcome back veteran utility man Kelvin Madzongwe for the final. But forward Obrey Chirinda will be unavailable for selection because of the red card he picked up during the 1-0 quarterfinal win over giants Highlanders.
Another striker Farau Matare and first choice right back Felix Moyo were yet to recover fully by yesterday. But McClive Phiri, who filled the rightback position in the last three matches, has been doing well in the position.
Sibanda still was cautious about the game despite the psychological advantage they carry into the game from their 2-1 win over Herentals in a league match three weeks ago.
“It’s going to be an exciting game. Both teams never thought that at one time we would be playing in the final. But these are teams that played very well this season.
“Even if you look at both teams on the log standings, I think it’s one point separating us. So in terms of strength, we are almost two teams of the same strength.
“They are a team that is attack minded, they are not conservative, they come in numbers. They don’t care what happens at the back, they believe in themselves and they are a team that is very much motivated.
“It’s a game that is going to be won more on character than anything else. Yes, without taking away the tactical aspects of the game and the technical ability of the players it’s a game that is going to be won more on character, how we deal with our nerves, anxiety and stuff like that,” said Sibanda.
Chiefs reached the final after claiming the scalps of Bosso and ZPC Kariba in the first round and the quarter-finals respectively by identical 1-0 score lines. They went on to beat Black Rhinos 5-4 after penalty shootouts in the semi-finals.
Sibanda’s opposite number Kumbirai Mutiwekuziwa declared the Harare side was also ready to claim their first top-flight football silverware. The Students believe they are not in the final by fluke.
They defeated 2016 champions Ngezi Platinum Stars in the first round and Manica Diamonds in the quarter-finals by identical 2-1 score lines. They went on to boot out 2021 champions FC Platinum following a 4-3 penalty shootout victory at a difficult Mandava stadium. The match had ended 1-1 in regulation time. “This is our first appearance in the country’s biggest knockout tournament and we are quite excited about that.
“It means a lot for us to play in the final. It’s a big achievement for a fairly young club as Herentals who are playing only their third season in the Premiership.
“For me as a coach and everyone associated with Herentals, it shows that the football project is going on very well. It has taken us just three seasons to play in a cup final and I must say this must just be the beginning of good things to come.