Battle of two rival region peers and districts

WHEN Jordan and Gwanda Pirates clash in the third round of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, it will not just be a berth in the next round but a battle beyond that.

Both carry hopes of two districts and two regional football bodies.

Gwanda Pirates are from Gwanda District, the provincial capital and also represent the Central Soccer League in which they are among the top teams. Apart from that they have had many follow them because of their colourful supporters and vibrant social media presence.

Jordan are from Insiza a neighbouring district to Gwanda and both are famed for gold mining and cattle ranching. They play in the Southern Region Soccer League and this year they have surprised neutrals with their good game and general good presentation on and off the field.

They have stepped up and want to be part of the party after years of playing second fiddle to neighbours Talen Vision who play in Zifa Southern League too.

Alongside Talen Vision and Nkayi United they are part of the pack that is chasing Hwange for the sole ticket to the Premiership.

So the Munhumutapa match set for Phelandaba Stadium in Gwanda on Saturday promises a lot of fireworks. Both teams want it for themselves to write a piece of history. For years to come either will brag and say they brought pride and honour to their respective district by reaching the last 16 of the inaugural Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, now the Football Association (FA Cup), the most prestigious and biggest in the land worth US$5 million with teams from Area Zone to the Premiership taking part.

No district or league wants to be seen as inferior to the other.

Mkhululi Ndiweni, Jordan’s manager said they are ready for the challenge. He said the mid-season break gave his team time to break and recharge though they had stayed active a bit in the final lower division qualifiers for this tournament.

“We are ready for the challenge. We are preparing well. It’s been a while without clashing with them, last time we did so was some time ago when we were both in Division Two. We are ready for them and look forward to a good game and qualifying to the next stage,” said the Jordan manager.

Jordan are under coach Johannes Nhumwa, a veteran of the football terrain who would certainly not want to lose to his namesake, Ngodzo among Zimbabwe’s elite group of very talented midlfielders watched after 1980.

Jordan’s top player include good goalkeeper Mutanda, centreback Dalubuhle Ncube, strikers Jefias Sibanda, who has seven goals to his credit this season and young gangly forward Shimayi Mutonono, who is tipped for the future.

Ngodzo, who is making a name for himself at Gwanda Pirates as head coach, said the target on Saturday is to win and get to the next round. He says their aim is to face each game as it comes and see how far they can go.

He said games such as this one need one to pay attention to little things as they decide the fate of teams.

“We wish to go as far as we can; where exactly we will end we do not know, but what we have to do is reach the last 16. It won’t be an easy game, cup games are decided by little details we need to prepare,” said the former midfield magician, a winner of several league titles with Highlanders.

His Gwanda Pirates knocked out Harare City to reach this stage.

Ngodzo will be without his talisman Mbonisi Ncube who is now in the books of neighbours Blanket Mine.

All roads in Gwanda and Insiza Districts lead to Gwanda town on Saturday as two neighbouring district teams battle it out for more than a place in the last 16.