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Bruce Chikuni
Sports Reporter
THE inaugural Heart Cup got off to a flying start with a galore of goals being recorded with all the underdogs failing to produce many upsets at The Heart Stadium yesterday.
It is the first time in more than a decade that teams in the Women’s Soccer League are playing in a knock-out tourney and there was a goals’ galore with 25 goals being recorded in the first round.
Only giants Highlanders of Bulawayo and Harare’s Correctional Queens featured in a goalless draw.
Former and active footballers were in attendance yesterday to grace the event which was organised by Heart Group of companies, and a brainchild of Prophet Walter Magaya.
All the 16 competing teams in the tourney are being accommodated at Yadah Hotel until Sunday when the tournament ends.
There were no surprises however, as the Zimbabwe Women’s Soccer League’s top eight teams booked their slots into the next round.
The tournament continues today with former league champions Black Rhinos Queens getting the day’s fixtures underway with a breakfast clash at 9am.
That encounter will be followed by the clash between Zimbabwe’s CAF/COSAFA representatives Herentals Queens and Correctional Queens at 11am.
Platinum Royals are scheduled to play Harare City while Maningi Academy will wrap up the second round of the knock-out stage against Black Mambas Queens.
With the underdogs out of the picture, the matches lined up for the next few days will be too close to call.
But rank outsiders Miningi Academy are unfazed and their versatile player, Rudo Machadu feels they can brew a shocker and advance in the competition.
“We didn’t play our usual game against ZRP because maybe it was our first time to play in such a huge tournament,” Machadu said.
“But the win helped us a lot and everyone is now mentally ready to play Black Mambas.
“It’s good that we are going to play our second game on the back of a 3-0 win, a clean sheet is what cheers us a lot, and it is important for us to keep cool heads.
“We believe in teamwork and everyone is determined to fight to the end,” said Machadu.
Heart Cup First Round Results:
Black Rhinos 6- 0 Mutare City
Platinum Royals 2-1 Sheasham Queens
Herentals 1-0 Conduit FC
Maningi Academy 3-0 ZRP
Black Mambas 3-0 Hope Academy
Chapungu 2-0 Faith Drive Academy
Correctional 0-0 Highlanders (4-3 on penalties)
Harare City 7-0 MSU
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