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Sports Reporter
In a peculiar twist of fate, three of the four football teams from Bulawayo will begin their Chibuku Super Cup campaigns away from home, leaving fans and players alike scratching their heads.
As the draws for the prestigious competition were made, a sense of déjà vu swept over the city, with each team learning they will be starting their journeys on unfamiliar turf. Arenel Movers are away to TelOne in the preliminary round, which will also see Hwange, another Southern Region team, away to Chegutu Pirates. In the first round proper, which will be played on the weekend of 17 and 18 August, Highlanders have been drawn to travel to Chisumbanje to face Green Fuel.
Bulawayo Chiefs were drawn to face Ngezi Platinum while Chicken Inn are the only locals who will have home advantage in the first round when they welcome Yadah. And to add salt onto their wounds, even if Arenel get past TelOne in their away preliminary round encounter, they will still travel to Zvishavane to face FC Platinum in the first round.
“It’s a strange coincidence, to say the least,” said Dean Fuyane a die-hard Highlanders fan.“We were all gathered and waiting to hear the outcome of the draw and as each team was announced, we couldn’t believe it. It’s like the football Gods have conspired against us.”
His sentiments were echoed by his counterparts at Bulawayo Chiefs, who will make the long trip to face off against defending league champions, Ngezi. “It’s not ideal, of course,” admitted Chiefs fan, Donald Sibanda from New Luveve. But we are not ones to shy away from a challenge. We’ll take it as an opportunity to test ourselves against the best.”
The unusual sequence of events has sparked debate among fans and pundits, with some speculating about the potential impact on the teams’ chances of progression.“It’s a tough ask for any team to start their cup campaign away from home,” said local football analyst and former Keyona TV guest sports anchor, Themba Siziba.
“But Bulawayo’s teams have shown resilience in the past. If anyone can overcome this hurdle, they can.”
As the teams prepare to embark on their respective journeys, the city of Bulawayo will be watching with bated breath, eager to see if their sides can defy the odds and bring cup glory back home.
Chibuku Super Cup draw Preliminary round – 7 August
TelOne vs Arenel Movers; Chegutu Pirates vs. Hwange
First round – 17/18 August
FC Platinum vs. TelOne/Arenel Movers; Manica Diamonds vs. Chegutu Pirates/Hwange; Greenfuel vs Highlanders; Dynamos vs ZPC Kariba; Ngezi Platinum vs Byo Chiefs; Chicken Inn vs Yadah; Simba Bhora vs Herentals; Bikita Minerals vs Caps United.
Online Reporter