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Ricky Zililo Sports Reporter
THE BancABC Sup8r semi-finals action explodes in Bulawayo this afternoon with FC Platinum playing against Monomotapa in the first semi-final at Barbourfields Stadium while the match between Dynamos and Shabanie Mine is on tomorrow at the same venue.
The semi-finals which will be screened live on Supersport are potentially explosive encounters and both matches will kick off at 2pm due to the broadcasting schedule.
A big turnout is expected at both matches as topflight soccer starved fans who last saw Premiership football last month before the domestic programme was affected by the national team’s participation in the Cosafa Castle Cup in Zambia and the African Nations Championships are likely to throng the stadium.
What makes the two matches even more exciting is the $120 000 winners’ prize money which makes the competition the richest tournament so far.
The other thing that makes the semi-finals even more interesting is that two of the four clubs — FC Platinum and Shabanie Mine have not won this major competition and they are both itching to lay their hands on the BancABC Sup8r Cup.
Lloyd Mutasa, eyeing his first Premiership silverware as a coach declared his side was ready for Monomotapa.
“The guys have been working hard and I am hoping that they take the same energy and commitment that they showed during the week to the ground. Everyone wants to be in the team and I am sure that whoever we choose for the game will deliver. Otherwise we are ready for the game,” Mutasa said.
The former national team assistant coach on Wednesday conducted his afternoon practice with his charges at Barbourfields Stadium as part of their preparations for the clash.
The move to get the feel of the venue before their semi-finals clash with Monomotapa was evidence that the platinum miners are taking today’s match seriously and want to advance to the next stage.
On their way to the semi-final, FC Platinum knocked out Bulawayo giants Highlanders who they beat 3-1 on penalties at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo on 29 June while Monomotapa stormed into the last four stage of the competition following their 1-0 win over former BancABC champions, Motor Action.
On paper, FC Platinum has a stronger squad than Monomotapa but Mutasa is however aware of the dangers of undermining their opponents.
“We respect Monomotapa just like any other team and we will not be complacent when we face them. We are taking the game seriously,” he said.
Mutasa has experienced goalkeepers in Francis Tizayi, Petros Mhari and Tolbert Shumba at his disposal with former national team defender Daniel Vheremu expected to use his vast experience to lead from the back.
Some of the defenders available at FC Platinum include the Moyo twins Elvis and Kevin and Raphael Mudhuviwa with the midfield built around Thabani Kamusoko who has been a vital cog for the team playing as a defensive midfielder. He is expected to give a clean supply of balls to the strikers.
Other potential starters for the game include Allan Gahadzikwa, Joel Ngodzo and Welcome Ndiweni who is starting to enjoy a new lease of life since the coming in of Mutasa.
Charles Sibanda who scored Zimbabwe’s solitary goal against Zambia to book the Warriors’ place at next year’s Africa Nations Championships (Chan) finals in South Africa, Donald Ngoma and Nelson Maziwisa are expected to lead FC Platinum’s strike force
Monomotapa will not be push-overs and FC Platinum must be wary of players like Ronald Chitiyo, Obey Mwerahari, and defender Morgan Mungombe.
They also have hard-running Kuda Musharu, Agrippa Murimba and Ishmael Lawe who are capable of causing an upset.
Monomotapa’s assistant coach Nkululeko Dlamini said they have a good squad capable of withstanding any team.
“Cup games are unpredictable but we are looking forward to a good game. We have prepared well for the game. We are aware that they have national team players but we also have quality strikers who can match them,” Dlamini said.
Meanwhile, Shabanie Mine coach Luke Masomere said he is looking forward to writing his own history with Shabanie Mine.
He said they were ready for Dynamos.
“Technically I am very happy with our preparations. The morale in camp is great, we are not reading much into Dynamos’ camp and we will be sticking to our winning strategy which has proved useful in our last four league matches.
“I think this is going to be a good game and I hope we progress and go on to win the final,” said Masomere.
Should Shabanie Mine upset Dynamos and FC Platinum beat Monomotapa, it will be an all-Zvishavane final.
Some of the players expected to do battle for Shabanie Mine tomorrow include strikers Caleb Masocha and Tarisai Rukanda, Valentine Ndaba, Pervington Zimunya and new signing Norman Maroto.
Seasoned cup campaigners Dynamos who have five national team players, are tipped to win against Shabanie Mine.
Skipper Tawanda Muparati, defensive rock Patson Jaure, Augustine Mbara, goalkeeper George Chigova, former national team defender Oscar Machapa are some of the players expected to carry the day for DeMbare.
Fixtures
Today: FC Platinum v Monomotapa (Barbourfields)
Tomorrow: Dynamos v Shabanie Mine (Barbourfields)
***Both matches kick off at 2pm and will be screened live on Supersport 9
Online Reporter