Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HERENTALS coach Paul Benza says his side will not be weighed down by pressure when they meet Highlanders in a rescheduled Chibuku Super Cup first round tie at Nyamhunga Stadium on Sunday.
The match was initially set for August but was postponed to accommodate the Kariba District Heroes Day commemorations. It will be the second of two remaining first round fixtures after ZPC Kariba clash with Chicken Inn on Saturday at the same venue.
Benza, who has quietly built Herentals into a competitive unit, stressed that while they respect Highlanders’ pedigree, they are approaching the tie with calm heads and a broader seasonal focus.
“We are preparing well. We want to win and progress to the next round, but we are not putting ourselves under pressure. Our target for the season is finishing in the top four.
“The Chibuku Super Cup gives us an opportunity to change the team around and give some of our fringe players an opportunity to play,” Benza said.
Highlanders, backed by one of the biggest fan bases in the country, will arrive as heavy favourites, but Benza is not fazed.
“We know Highlanders are a big team. It doesn’t matter where you play them, they will still have their followers behind them. So, we will give them the respect they deserve,” he said.
“This being a cup game, we just have to make sure we score first and try not to concede. We also have to prepare for penalties, but the key is to be at our best.”
Six teams have already secured quarter final berths after a dramatic opening round. Defending champions Dynamos survived a scare against Simba Bhora, squeezing through 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Ghanaian striker Felix Kwaku Hammond’s late equaliser rescued the Glamour Boys after Boid Mutukure’s early strike.
At Ngoni, newcomers MWOS produced the biggest upset by beating CAPS United 2-0 with second half goals from Nigel Mutinha and Arthur Banda. Manica Diamonds also advanced on penalties after holding FC Platinum to a goalless draw at Mandava.
Bikita Minerals edged TelOne 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 result, while Scottland’s 15th-minute goal from Moses Shidolo was enough to down GreenFuel at Sakubva. Triangle United completed the drama with a 6-5 penalty shootout victory over Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab.
The two outstanding fixtures will confirm the full quarter final line up by Sunday evening.
Chibuku Super Cup Fixtures
Saturday: ZPC Kariba vs Chicken Inn
Sunday: Herentals vs Highlanders
