DeMbare take on Ngezi stars in challenge cup

THE Castle Challenge Cup tie between Ngezi Platinum Stars and Dynamos will be played on February 24 at Mhondoro’s Baobab Stadium as opposed to initial reports that the game was set to take place on Sunday.

The Castle Challenge Cup will again kick off the Castle Lager Premier League (PSL) season in continuing with the norm of this thrilling introduction to the league.

The cup contest, which many had believed was going to be played on February 17, features Chibuku Super Cup winners and Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions.

Harare giants Dynamos are the Chibuku Super Cup holders and Mhondoro based Ngezi Platinum Stars were crowned last season’s league champions.

The match will be a repeat of last year’s Chibuku Super Cup final match that saw DeMbare get the better of Madamburo at the same venue.

PSL communications and media liaison officer, Kudzai Bare said they were optimistic that the promotion matter between Bikita Minerals and Tenax will be settled in time for the 2024 league season to kick off a week after the Castle Challenge.

The Challenge Cup has over the years been dominated by Zvishavane based former league champions FC Platinum.

“The Challenge Cup is set for February 24. We were actually surprised to read different stories that the cup final was going to be played on February 17. The venue is Baobab Stadium. We are also confident that the matter between Bikita Minerals and Tenax that is before the Zifa Appeals Committee will be settled soon. We are actually waiting for it to be finalised and we release our fixtures,” said Bare.

There is a pending matter in the Eastern Region Division One where the promoted side is yet to be confirmed due to a protest by Tenax over Bikita Minerals’ promotion.

The dispute is before the country’s football mother body and it is understood the full hearing will be on Friday.

Bikita Minerals were initially crowned last season’s Eastern Region champions courtesy of a boardroom decision after the club won a case in their final league game against Grayham, from which they were awarded three points after Tenax reportedly used an ineligible player.

Last week, PSL held a consultative workshop.

Stakeholders from Zifa, Sports Recreation Commission (SRC), stadia owners, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and media united for discussions on shaping the future of our football season.- @FungaiMuderere