adminchampions with little option but to step up their game and redeem their pride in the BancABC Sup8r quarter-final tie against Monomotapa at Sakubva this Sunday.
The Mighty Bulls have watched as their grip on the league championship slowly slipped away from their hands in the last month.
They Premiership champions dropped eight points in their last four games, which cost them their place at the top of the table.
But after playing a goalless draw against Monomotapa on Monday, Antipas is hoping to turn the tide when the sides meet again in the cup competition on Saturday.
Motor Action last won on May 28 when they beat Highlanders 2-0 at Barbourfields but have drawn their last four against Hwange, Kiglon, Masvingo and recently Monomotapa.
Neither side, however, will have greater measure of comfort after struggling for good results in the last month.
Monomotapa’s last win also came on May 28 when they thrashed Black Mambas 3-0 and, just like Motor Action, have been involved in draws in their last four matches.
“It’s a bit disappointing but we have got to move on and the only way we can walk away from the disappointment is by posting good results, starting this weekend.
“We have been talking with the players and they appear to be in good spirits.
“We are playing Monomotapa for the second time in a week and we are hoping to turn things around. Cup games are very difficult to predict, though, and this one is no different.
“Monomotapa are a good team with very useful players and we have to keep an eye on them.
“We want to end that four-match drought,” Antipas said.
Bulawayo giants Highlanders and Shabanie Mine have already pulled through to the semi-finals after winning their matches a fortnight ago.
Shabanie beat Gunners 1-0 at Ascot while Highlanders knocked out last year’s finalists CAPS United by the same margin at Baghdad.
Shabanie, who have had an indifferent run in the Premiership this season, had a dream start to their debut BancABC Sup8r campaign after veteran midfielder Lennon Chisunga settled the contest with an 83rd minute strike.
Defending champions Dynamos will play Hwange for the other slot in the last four at Gibbo in Triangle on Saturday.
The sponsors have poured in more than US$ 500 000 this season with winners set to walk away US$50 000 richer.
“At least there is something to play for. This will certainly motivate the players to do well and I would like the sponsors for increasing the prize money,” said Antipas.
Fixtures
BancABC quarterfinals
Saturday
Dynamos v Hwange (Gibbo)
Sunday
Motor Action v Monomotapa (Sakubva)
Castle Lager Premiership
Wednesday
Kiglon v Highlanders (Rufaro)
Thursday
Gunners v CAPS United (Lafarge).
Online Reporter