Online Reporter
Tinashe Mukono
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD Thandolwethu Sibanda stood up to seasoned Premiership players and did not look out of place.
For Blackrock technical director Shiringinyai Munotengwa, that sight captured what his young side had achieved during an unexpected run in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
The Hwange-based Southern Region Soccer League (SRSL) side eventually bowed out following a 2-0 defeat to FC Platinum, but not before eliminating Highlanders in the round of 32 and making people take notice.
Blackrock arrived as one of the competition’s lesser-known teams. They returned to Hwange with a young squad that had shown it could compete against some of the country’s leading clubs.
“We lost, but in terms of the boys, my boys are very young but the energy they showed was very good,” said Munotengwa.
“You could see my youngest guy in the squad going toe-to-toe with former league champions. Those were delightful memories indeed.”
Sibanda, Nkosinathi Ndlovu, Tobani Ncube and Tafadzwa Chibatamoto were among the youngsters who embraced the occasion.
Their composure against experienced opposition pleased Munotengwa, who believes Blackrock’s preparation helped them adjust to the higher-level competition.
“Player by player, we were ready for any opponent because we knew there were different levels of competition,” he said.
“When we come into these games, especially high-profile games, we try to coach them properly in terms of the opponents they are going to face so that they don’t get frustrated on the field of play.”
There was disappointment when their run ended, but little regret within the Blackrock camp.
For a club drawing much of its squad from the Hwange community, the tournament offered its young players an opportunity they rarely get.
“We are a very small team coming from a very small community in Hwange. But we have done our guys proud,” Munotengwa said.
“There is no reason for them to be angry with the boys. The boys did very well and executed the plan very well.
“We also thank ZIFA (Zimbabwe Football Association) and the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, and we hope to bounce back stronger next year.
“Our boys are still there. The bulk of them, 2005, 2004, 2008, 2007.”
That youthful core is central to Blackrock’s plans.
The tournament allowed the players to measure themselves against Premiership opposition and gave the club a clearer picture of what this group could become.
It also offered another glimpse of the talent emerging from the Southern Region.
Fellow SRSL sides Hwange and Jordan Sinoti also reached the round of 16.
Hwange lost 2-0 to FC Hunters, while Jordan Sinoti went down 5-2 against Hardrock.
For teams operating outside the Premiership, the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup provided a rare national platform and a possible route for players hoping to advance their careers.
The region has already produced players who have taken that route.
Former Hwange player Mongameli Tshuma established himself at Highlanders before securing a move to Hardrock for next season.
His progress shows Blackrock’s youngsters that the route from Southern Region football to the country’s leading clubs remains open.
Munotengwa believes his players will be better because of their experience in the competition.
“We still have the future in our hands unlike other teams,” he said.
“So, we have learnt. We will come back stronger next time.”
Blackrock entered the competition as an unfamiliar Southern Region side and left it with a name football followers remember.
The cup run is over. Blackrock’s young players return to Hwange knowing they belong on a bigger stage.
