Chibuku Super Cup semis on

THE Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals are set to take place on Sunday, with defending champions Dynamos facing Manica Diamonds at Rufaro Stadium, while last year’s runners-up, Ngezi Platinum Stars host log leaders Simba Bhora at Baobab Stadium.

Dynamos secured their spot in the semi-finals in a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Yadah Stars, while Ngezi Platinum ousted CAPS United and Simba Bhora advanced via a boardroom decision after Highlanders hotly disputed a controversial penalty decision causing the abandonment of the match.

Ahead of their crucial match against Manica Diamonds, Dynamos players staged a strike and refused to train protesting over delayed winning bonuses and signing-on fees.

While the players showed up for their training session at Alex Sports Club in Harare, they refused to participate in any physical activity.

DeMbare players have reportedly not been paid winning bonuses since the second-half of the season started. This dispute adds a layer of drama to an already exciting tournament, as the top teams battle for the Chibuku Super Cup title.

“We are hoping for the best. Yes, we had some challenges but we hope to do well on Sunday. It’s one of those things but it’s now water under the bridge,” said DeMbare head coach, Lloyd “MaBlanyo” Chigove.

Ngezi Platinum hope to get it right and atone for last weekend’s loss to Chegutu Pirates in a league match. The defeat ruined Ngezi Platinum’s chances of retaining the league title. The platinum miners are 14 points adrift of Simba Bhora.

Dynamos beat Ngezi Platinum 2-0 in last year’s final to mark their return to continental club football.

The Chibuku Super Cup win also put the icing on for the club which celebrated its 60th anniversary.

Meanwhile, local league action has been put on hold to make way for the Chibuku Super Cup semi-final ties.

After 30 match days, 482 goals have been scored, with Week 30 action accounting for 19 goals from 18 players.

The trio of Lynoth Chikuhwa (Highlanders), Khama Billiat (Yadah Stars) and William Manondo (CAPS United) are the joint top scorers with 12 goals each.

Chibuku Super Cup semi-final fixtures
Dynamos vs Manica Diamonds (Rufaro Stadium), Ngezi Platinum Stars vs Simba Bhora (Baobab)
-@FungaiMuderere