Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
AFTER a midweek fiesta that saw the national team and the Young Warriors play within two days at the refurbished National Sports, focus now shifts back to the local football scene.
The lucrative ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup returns this weekend with eight teams battling for a place in the semis.
Action starts on Saturday with a hungry CAPS United taking on bogey side FC Hunters at Rufaro.
Once famous for winning Cups, Makepekepe were the last team to win this competition in 2008, when it was still known as the CBZ Cup.
Then under Jostein Mathuthu, the Green Machine walloped Eastern Lions 3-0 in the final.
Since then, CAPS United have failed to win a major Cup, managing only the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title in 2016.
So eager to reclaim their Cup Kings tag, Farai Jere, has been doing everything and anything to motivate his players.
Star defender, Nyasha Gurende, is fired up ahead of the clash against Nesbert Saruchera’s FC Hunters.
“Obviously, as CAPS United, we need to win so that we progress to the next stage.
“There are no two ways about this,” said Gurende, who has been one of the outstanding players for Takesure Chiragwi’s side.
However, in FC Hunters, Makepekepe face a stubborn opponent.
In the two league games they played against FC Hunters, CAPS United only managed to get one point.
It’s a worrying statistic for the Green Machine, but Gurende believes his side can prevail.
“This is a cup game; it’s a different ball game altogether.
“We need to adjust so that we progress to the semi-finals,” added Gurende.
FC Hunters have punched above their weight in their debut top-flight season.
They are also in the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals and are almost clear of relegation.
Rising left back Junior Meya has been central to that achievement.
A roving player, Meya has featured in almost all of FC Hunters’ games.
He believes CAPS United should be respected but feels his side has a big chance of advancing to the last four.
“CAPS United are a big team who deserve respect, but it’s very rare for us to lose when we play these big teams,” Meya told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
Added Meya: “It will be an exciting match, not easy for both teams.”
Premier Soccer League title contenders Scottland and Hardrock are also in the mix. Both have a strong chance of bagging a treble as they are also in the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals.
Inspired by the Warriors quintet of Nelson Chadya, Emmanuel Jalai, Kevin Moyo, Peter Muduhwa and Abubakar Moffat, Scottland host Bulawayo Chiefs at Rufaro on Sunday. Mabvirarira are huge favourites to progress to the semis.
The players would also want a win to honour the late club benefactor Wicknel Chivayo, who died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday.
Star midfielder Mtokozisi Msebe is another player to watch as he faces his former paymasters, Bulawayo Chiefs.
Hardrock, who trail Scottland by a single point on the PSL table, host tricky Herentals at Chahwanda.
The Kwekwe side have enough firepower to blow away Herentals, who will be relying on versatile player Ralph Kawondera.
Central Region Soccer League side Blanket Mine are another side that has been writing their own piece of his-tory.
They are the only lower league team remaining in the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
The Midlands side will play former PSL champions FC Platinum at Pelandaba on Sunday.
Veteran midfielder Ali Maliselo is one of the main players at Blanket Mine, who are coached by former national team striker Luke Petros.
Maliselo has rallied his teammates to believe in themselves and not give FC Platinum too much respect.
“We are preparing well for this game, and the boys are ready to fight for the badge,” Maliselo said.
The central midfielder has vast experience, having played for Harare giants Dynamos, Herentals and Triangle United among other teams.
“We will play our best and try to come up with a result.
“We know it will not be easy, but we will fight,” added Maliselo.
