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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
CHIBUKU Super Cup finalists’ coaches, Thulani Sibanda of Bulawayo Chiefs and Herentals’ Kumbirai Mutiwekuziwa have both said they have prepared adequately for the final.
The two teams, appearing in their first-ever major cup final since their promotion into the topflight in 2018, face off in the decider on Sunday at Barbourfields Stadium.
The two teams that have ruled out cautious approach, have said they are ready for the assignment and have promised fans value for their money.
“In terms of preparations, so far so good everything is going on accordingly. The boys are raring to go and you can tell by their attitude that they want it. I think if we go with a positive attitude, with that zeal to win it and stick to our game plan, we will win it. Cup finals need that hunger to win attitude and that is what we’re going with,” said Sibanda.
He will be hoping that the trio of utility player Kelvin Madzongwe, Kevin Moyo and Elvis Moyo, past winners of the Chibuku Super Cup while at FC Platinum will use their experience to guide his side.
The Moyo twins are appearing in their third final, having won the 2014 final before losing the 2016 edition to Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Madzongwe was on the winners’ podium in 2021, a few months before crossing to Chiefs.
“Having players who were in the final is a boost in the sense that they know what it means to be at this stage. They understand the pressure and the demands. My hope is that they will use their experience to bring in some stability and guidance to most of our guys who are in their first final,” said Sibanda.
Chiefs will have to do without striker Obriel Chirinda who was red carded in the 1-0 quarter-finals win against Highlanders.
They still have Farau Matare, Billy Veremu and Perfect Chikwende to lead their attack.
Mutiwekuziwa is not worried about what’s happening in the Amakhosi Amahle camp and says they are ready to claim their first topflight silverware.
The Herentals coach is bullish ahead of the final adding that they are not in the final by fluke.
Herentals defeated 2016 champions Ngezi Platinum Stars in the first round and Manica Diamonds in the quarter-finals by an identical 2-1 score lines.
They went on to boot out 2021 champions FC Platinum 4-3 after penalty shootouts
in the semi-finals after the match had ended 1-1.
Chiefs reached the final after claiming the scalps of Bosso and ZPC Kariba in the first round and the quarter-finals respectively by identical 1-0 score lines. They went on to dehorn Black Rhinos 5-4 after penalty shootouts in the semi-finals.
“Everyone has worked hard to be in the final and now is the time to go and enjoy the final, try to get a positive result. It won’t be an easy game but we’re ready to fight and give our best.
“Morale in camp is high, the players are all looking forward to the final,” said Mutiwekuziwa. — @ZililoR
Online Reporter