Chronicle Editor
Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO Chiefs are still revelling at making it to their first final of a major topflight competition since their promotion in 2018, the Chibuku Super Cup.
Chiefs will face another first-timer Herentals in the final to be played on November 19 at Barbourfields Stadium. Herentals scored a late equaliser to draw 1-1 and took the game to the penalty shootouts against champions FC Platinum who they went on to beat 4-3 on penalties.
Amakhosi Amahle stormed into the Chibuku Super Cup final after beating Black Rhinos 5-4 in penalty shootouts at Mandava Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The match had to be decided through the penalty lottery after ending 0-0 in regulation time.
Chiefs assistant coach Thulani Sibanda who shed tears of joy after the victory cherished being in the final.
“This is a sweet victory and we celebrate the feat achieved. Being in the final is a major milestone for the club, we’ve written our own piece of history and we should cap it by lifting the cup. It won’t be easy, but playing at home in Bulawayo should be enough to motivate everyone,” said Sibanda.
He gave credit to the goalkeepers’ coach Nkosiyazi Juice Ncube for the decision to substitute goalkeeper David Bizabani for Matripples Muleya in injury time.
Muleya went on to be the Chiefs’ hero when he dived to his left to deny Black Rhinos’ fifth penalty taker Vincent Mhandu.
With the usual penalty takers Arthur Musiyiwa, Malvin Mkolo and Kelvin Madzongwe dodging taking the final spot kick, up stepped Billy Veremu who was not on the list of penalty takers who kept his cool to slot the winner.
Meanwhile, Sibanda said the victory against Black Rhinos lifted their spirits as they head to the league clash with Highlanders.
“The confidence levels are up and while we want to focus more on the cup, we are keen to fight for a respectable finish on the table. Finishing within the top six is possible and it starts with the game against Highlanders,” said Sibanda.
Chiefs are on position nine with 42 points, five points behind fourth-placed Ngezi Platinum Stars.— @ZililoR
Online Reporter