Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
BULAWAYO Chiefs coach John Nyikadzino knows better than most that reputation counts for little in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
With giants Highlanders and Dynamos already sent crashing out of the inaugural competition, Nyikadzino is refusing to take any chances when his Premiership side faces lower-division outfit
Chilli Boys in a last-16 showdown at Ascot Stadium on Saturday.
On paper, the route looks favourable for Chiefs.
In reality, it could be a giant-killing trap.
Chilli Boys, formed only last year by a group of miners from Gweru and surrounding areas, have emerged as one of the tournament’s most intriguing sides and are the only Division Two outfit remaining in the competition.
They have already shown they are no pushovers.
The Gweru-based side eliminated Aqua on penalties in the previous round and have been virtually unstoppable in the Zifa Midlands Division Two, where they lead the 12-team competition with 11 wins and two draws from 13 matches.
Their numbers make impressive reading.
Chilli Boys have scored 54 goals and conceded just four in their 13 league matches, giving them the kind of confidence that could make Chiefs’ afternoon extremely uncomfortable.
And with Highlanders and Dynamos already victims of giant-killing acts, Chiefs have every reason to approach the encounter with caution.
“Very tough match. The fact that they have managed to get to the second round shows they are a good side,” Nyikadzino said.
“All I can say is that we are taking this challenge seriously and our preparations are as such. Looking at this game in particular, we would want to proceed to the next game.
“Since we are already out of the Chibuku Cup, we shall select players that we feel can deliver on this particular cup game.”
The Chiefs coach’s comments underline the seriousness with which the club is approaching the assignment.
For Chilli Boys, however, this is the opportunity they have been waiting for.
The club may still be operating in Division Two, but its rapid rise has already attracted attention in Gweru and the surrounding rural areas, while their technical team includes former Warriors goalkeeper Edmore “Zi Keeper” Sibanda.
A victory on Saturday would send Chilli Boys into the quarter-finals and further cement their reputation as one of the tournament’s surprise packages.
The stakes are equally significant for Chiefs.
Having already exited the Chibuku Super Cup, the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup represents an important remaining route to silverware and continental football.
