Bob 88 Super Cup dates set

Now in its second year running, the football competition is part of the celebrations of President Robert Mugabe’s birthday which falls on 21 February.
The inaugural edition, which was a once-off event, was played on 27 February last year pitting Harare giants Dynamos and CAPS United.
DeMbare beat their city rivals 3-2 to open the doors for more trophies that included the NetOne Charity Shield, the Hexagon Challenge, the Castle Lager Premiership and the Mbada Diamonds Cup.

Midfielder Archie Gutu sunk a brace while Denver Mukamba weighed in with a goal as Dynamos sailed to victory with Evans Gwekwerere and Edmore Sibanda finding the target for the Green Machine.
Tournament coordinator Stan Kasukuwere said he was excited at the prospects of a more competitive cup final this year, for an honour befitting the President.
Kasukuwere said they had considered playing the final at Sakubva but considered the number of fans who were likely to come for the final.

“The final of the Bob 88 Cup has been scheduled for 26 February, this is just after the main celebrations in Mutare.
“We could have staged the final in Mutare but realised that the venue could be overwhelmed by fans.
“Sakubva could be too small.

“Last year there was a sellout crowd and this year it’s even going to be bigger because we have expanded to four teams.
“I don’t think it will be much of a problem for people to travel and arrive in Harare in time for the game from Mutare,” said Kasukuwere.
Defending champions Dynamos clash with Hwange at Barbourfields next on 29 January while Motor Action will take on FC Platinum at Sakubva on 28 January.

“The semifinal matches are getting under way next weekend with games in Mutare and Bulawayo.
“We have invited the top four teams from the league last season and the winners Dynamos and the runners-up FC Platinum are seeded,” said Kasukuwere.
The semifinals of the Bob 88 Cup will also help the four teams to prepare for the ties in the Confederation of African Football competitions.

Dynamos have received a bye in the preliminary round of the Champions League while FC Platinum will meet Swazi side Green Mambas.
The Mighty Bulls and Hwange are playing in the Caf Confederations Cup on the weekend of 17-19 February.

Kasukuwere said his organising committee were yet to finalise on the prize money for the teams as more funds were still coming in while some corporates had made pledges.
“We are still to get all the money from the sponsors,”  he said.