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Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
THE 2013 edition of the Mbada Diamonds Cup got off to a roaring start with large crowds and some classy goals characterising the opening round of matches across the country on Saturday and yesterday.Premiership giants CAPS United, who had to ride on their luck in the penalty shootout lottery in order to subdue battling Motor Action, were one of the teams that were in action on the opening day of the country’s richest knockout tournament.
Makepekepe and the Mighty Bulls could not be separated after 90 minutes of action at Sakubva but Taurai Mangwiro’s men later prevailed 7-6 on penalties.
Across the country in Kadoma Buffaloes got the better of Black Mambas whom they beat 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 deadlock in regulation time.
But it was events at a packed Mandava in Zvishavane that really set the tone of the third edition of the country’s richest knockout tournament.
Thanks to the Mbada Diamonds initiative to consider the fans in this year’s competition the US$1 per head entry fees made an instant impact with the fans embracing it and responding by turning out in huge numbers at such venues like Mandava, Barbourfields, where a double header was served, the Colliery and at Gibo in Triangle where champions Dynamos began the defence of their title with a 1-0 triumph over a stubborn Tripple B.
The opening round matches also attracted the interest of Government and civil leadership with members of Parliament and mayors also taking time to watch the tournament that has continued to capture the imagination of many ever since its inception.
Manicaland Provincial Minister of State Chris Mushohwe joined the crowd at Sakubva as did newly elected Harare Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni who was at Rufaro to support his municipality’s team Harare City as they beat Monomotapa 1-0 while Zvishavane-Ngezi MP John Holder was among the bumper crowd that saw Shabanie Mine being brought down to earth by Chicken Inn following a 3-0 hiding at Mandava.
At Barbourfields the new Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Tabeth Kanengoni, had her first taste of the Mbada Cup action when she watched the double header that included How Mine against Black Rhinos and Highlanders’ five-goal thriller against Triangle.
Kanengoni was given a thunderous reception as she made her into Barbourfields while being driven in a white executive Hummer vehicle.
Kanengoni later told SuperSport that she was impressed by what she saw at Barbourfields.
“I am very happy with the recognition by Mbada Diamonds who have transformed in a positive way the people’s game (soccer) in Zimbabwe.
“I urge other corporate to emulate what Mbada Diamonds are doing and the dollar charge at the gate makes watching soccer affordable to the generality of Zimbabweans. It’s true that Mbada is harnessing diamonds for the people,’’ Kanengoni said.
Mbada Diamonds chief administration officer Major Mahlangu said although eight of the teams had fallen at the first hurdle, “the tournament is not just about winners and losers but development and excitement.
“The crowd witnessed at Barbourfields is a true template of Mbada games through to the final. We are pleased that our partnership with sport has not only drawn biggest attention from participating teams, players and soccer administrators but also the soccer loving citizens who are the fans,’’ Mahlangu said.
Chicken Inn midfielders Kuda Mahachi and Canaan Nkomo and Harare City’s Silas Songani scored brilliant goals that sent their teams through while guaranteeing an exciting opening weekend for the Mbada Cup that is promising more thrills and spills as the clubs brace for the quarter-final stage.
Online Reporter