Big guns watch from sidelines

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
THE Premiership big guns Dynamos and Highlanders will be watching from the sidelines as the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final action roars into action at the weekend.

The tournament was robbed of some of its gloss after the giants were knocked out at the first round together with the other seeded teams like Chicken Inn, Triangle, ZPC Kariba, 2014 winners FC Platinum and former champions Ngezi Platinum Stars.

Black Rhinos host Harare City at Rufaro while Chapungu and How Mine clash at Ascot on Saturday in the quarter-finals.

On Sunday giants CAPS United travel to Zvishavane for a date against Shabanie Mine with the match between Bulawayo City and newboys Yadah wrapping up the weekend programme at Barbourfields.

Highlanders coach Erol Akbay yesterday said he was disappointed his side missed the party after they were shocked by Harare City at Mandava.

“Obviously we are sad. We did not expect to be booted out of the tournament in the first round. But it’s football, all the big guys are out and it’s only CAPS United and How Mine who are left in the tournament.

“It’s going to be interesting though. It seems the small teams have been doing well in this tournament which carries with it the ticket to play in the CAF tournament next year.

“But of all the teams remaining in the tournament, CAPS United are the strongest. I think they are the only side that has that strength to play in the Africa safari.

“Look, they are a big side and the good thing is they have just played in the CAF Champions League and they showed they have what it takes,” said Akbay.

The Dutch coach will now have to turn his attention to the championship race where they face CAPS United in a rescheduled fixture next Wednesday before hosting title contenders FC Platinum.

Highlanders, who have been battling to recover from a mid-season slump, posted a huge result last Sunday when they thrashed title-chasing Chicken Inn 4-0. Akbay said they had been focusing on the three big games against Chicken Inn, CAPS United and FC Platinum.