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Fungai Muderere
THE Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals will be staged on Sunday with defending champions Dynamos set to take on Manica Diamonds at Rufaro Stadium.
Last year’s losing finalists Ngezi Platinum Stars will play host to Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) log leaders Simba Bhora at Mhondoro’s Baobab Stadium.
To book their semi-final berth Dynamos eliminated Yadah Stars after a penalty lottery.
Ngezi Platinum Stars kicked out CAPS United while Simba Bhora got rid of Highlanders in a match that was highly disputed.
Simba Bhora were dubiously awarded a penalty which resulted in the match not running its 90 minutes following Bosso’s refusal to have the spot kick taken.
In the build up to their fixture against Manica Diamonds, DeMbare players engaged in a strike and on Wednesday refused to train citing outstanding winning bonuses and signing-on fees.
Dynamos players showed up at Harare’s Alex Sports Club for their training session but refused to work out.
“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 which is now water under the bridge,” said DeMbare head coach Lloyd “MaBlanyo” Chigove.
DeMbare players are said to have been not getting their winning bonuses since the start of the second half of the season
Trailing Simba Bhora on the PSL log standings, Takesure Chiragwi mentored Ngezi Platinum Stars hoping to get it right and atone for their last weekend defeat they suffered at the hands of Chegutu Pirates.
It was a defeat that spoiled Ngezi Platinum Stars’ chances of returning the league title.
The platinum miners are 14 points adrift from Simba Bhora
In last year’s Chibuku Super Cup final, Chiragwi’s men lost 2-0 at the hands of Dynamos.
It was a deserved victory for DeMbare as defending league champions Ngezi Platinum never rose to the occasion on the day.
The Harare giants’ win marked a significant achievement for the former premiership champions and securing their return to continental football.
The Chibuku Super Cup was a befitting finish to the year as DeMbare were celebrating their 60th anniversary while it was also a significant achievement for Mangombe.
The final of the country’s biggest knockout tournament will be played on November 30 at a venue yet to be announced.
Winning the cup contest, comes with a sole ticket to represent the country in the CAF Confederations Cup.
Meanwhile, the local league ation has been put on hold to pave way for the Chibuku Super Cup semi-final ties.
A total of 482 goals have been scored in 30 rounds of play that have been played.
Week 30 action saw 19 goals from 18 different players being converted.
The trrio of Lynoth Chikuhwa (Highlanders), Khama Billiat (Yadah Stars and William Manondo (CAPS United) are the joint top goal scorers with 12 goals to their names respectively.
Chibuku Super Cup semi-final Fixtures
Dynamos v Manica Diamonds (Rufaro Stadium), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Simba Bhora (Baobab)
derick.khumalo