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Innocent Kurira
HIGHLANDERS coach Kelvin Kaindu says his charges will throw all their energy into their 2024 Chibuku Super Cup journey which commences with a first-round encounter against GreenFuel at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
Bosso, who were the 2019 Chibuku champions, like other Castle Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams that will be participating in the first round proper of the competition, are hoping to appease their followers by winning the tournament.
Kaindu understands the mammoth task that his charges have on their hands.
“The cup game comes with a lot at stake. Especially now, given this is the competition we are all participating in with the winners getting an opportunity to represent the country in Africa. The prize money is also quite huge for the teams that will be competing. It’s not easy but what we need to do is to focus. When you are planning for a cup game it’s different from a normal game.
“There has to be a winner but in a league game, some teams will be playing for a draw. In a cup game, the team that wins has more chances of getting into the final which is why it’s important to win every game,” said Kaindu.
Given the possibility of the match ending via the penalty lottery, Kaindu says the team will be ready for the shoot-out.
“When you play in such competitions you have to be ready mentally and physically so we are preparing for the shoot-out.
“However, I feel penalties are always a lottery and can go either way. All I can ask from the players is to focus as it is easier to win the game before the shoot-out,” said Kaindu.
He also gave an update on his team’s bill of health.
“We resumed training with everyone apart from the guys who played for the national team (Andrew Mbeba and McKinnon Mushore) during the week. In terms of injuries we had knocks to Marvin Sibanda and Archford Faira,” said Kaindu.
In other matches, FC Platinum will host tricky PSL returnees TelOne at Mandava Stadium.
Manica Diamonds will play host to Chegutu Pirates at Sakubva stadium looking to at least find the back of the net after nine matches without scoring in their league campaign.
Simba Bhora and Herentals will battle it out while CAPS United take on Bikita Minerals.
Chicken Inn will face Yadah Stars at Luveve Stadium.
The competition will progress to the quarter-finals on September 21-22, followed by the semi-finals on October 26-27.
The final of the country’s biggest knock-out tournament is set for November 30 at a venue yet to be announced.
Online Reporter