Bring on ‘the big boys’

Former Dynamos and CAPS United forward, Evans Gwekwerere, sealed the deal in the second half.

Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub

WHAT started off as a social football project designed to keep former professional footballers active on Sunday afternoons is slowly turning out to be one of the most beautiful football stories of the inaugural ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.

Norton Big Boys, a side made up largely of retired and semi-retired footballers, have emerged as the competition’s surprise packages and are now dreaming of a glamour tie against Premier Soccer League opposition in the Round of 32.

The Mashonaland West Division Two outfit beat hosts Nottingham Estates of Southern Region 2-0 at Dulibadzimu to punch their ticket into this exciting stage of the competition.

Former Dynamos and CAPS United forward Evans Gwekwerere sealed the deal in the second half.

Ozil Mupumha, who previously played for Shooting Stars, Shabanie Mine, and Herentals had grabbed the opener in the first half, much to the delight of player/coach Charles Rukwanhi.

“We are excited with the way the team has been performing, and I can safely say we are ready for the round of 32,” said Rukwanhi, who is also a veteran of the domestic Premiership.

“We are prepared to face any team.

“In fact, we will be glad if we could be paired with one of the big names like Dynamos, CAPS United, Highlanders, or PSL champions Scottland.

“Of course, most of our players are not young anymore, but we have a group of highly experienced guys with good technical abilities.

“These guys have seen it all, and we will be happy to cause one or two upsets against the PSL teams. That has been our wish from the onset, and we are happy to progress this far,” said Rukwanhi. Norton Big Boys boast a squad packed with household names from Zimbabwean football’s recent past, among them former Dynamos and Legia Warsaw striker Takesure Chinyama, ex-Dynamos, CAPS United and Highlanders forward Rodrick Mutuma, former Warriors defender Hardlife Zvirekwi, Stephen Matsangaise, Tafadzwa Rusike, Oscar Machapa, and Valentine Ndaba.

One game at a time, they believe they are building towards something big, in what is their first season competing in a structured league set-up, as they are also aiming for promotion to play Division One football next year.

Backed by sponsors Better Brands and Mayor Logistics, Norton Big Boys are proving that experience still counts in the modern game. The road to the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup glory is taking shape with 14 clubs confirmed at the weekend to enter the hat in the round of 32, where they will be involved in match-ups with the top-flight opponents.

Norton Big Boys neighbours MWOS Under-19 also made it into the preliminary round following a 1-0 win over former PSL side Chapungu away at Ascot.

The Young Panthers got the solitary goal from striker Timmy Kushata in the 40th minute.

Their coach, Wonder Ngoko, praised his charges following the inspired performances, which preceded the mid-week clash with Harare City in the ZIFA Northern Region Soccer League.

“The boys played incredibly well, and they made us all very proud,” Ngoko said.

“They played with a level of desire like we’ve never seen before; I truly admired the immense work rate and unity shown by all of the players.”

Harare City were also involved in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup but were knocked out on penalties by Gwanda Pirates at Pelandaba. Coached by former Highlanders legend Johannes Ngodzo, the ZIFA Central Region Division One side put up a good show at home and effectively took control of the game when Prince Gwetu sent them ahead after 67 minutes.

However, Harare City equalised at the stroke of full-time, sending the match into a shoot-out.

Pirates’ goalkeeper Themba Moyo emerged the hero, making three saves as Pirates triumphed 3-2 on penalties.

His opposite number, Nedrick Madeya, also impressed with two saves in a dramatic contest.

Kwekwe United also secured passage into the next round after overcoming Deportivo La Murambinda 4-2 via a penalty shoot-out at Baghdad. ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi believes the tournament is bridging the gap between community football and the professional game.

“What makes this moment special is that many clubs entering the next phase have earned the right to test themselves against our biggest teams. That is the beauty of cup football,” Magwizi said.

The draw for the round of 32 is expected to be conducted next week, and the organisers are anticipating thrilling results in the knock-out phase.

Teams qualified for the Round of 32:

Blanket Mine (Central Region)

Gwanda Pirates (Central Region)

Kwekwe United (Central Region)

FC Oden (Northern Region)

Marere (Northern Region)

MWOS U’19 (Northern Region)

Blackrock (Southern Region)

Aqua Stars (Southern Region)

Hwange (Southern Region)

Jordan (Southern Region)