GWEKWERERE AND HIS OLD BOYS DREAMING OF MUNHUMUTAPA CHALLENGE CUP GLORY

Former Dynamos and CAPS United forward, Evans Gwekwerere, sealed the deal in the second half.

Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub

WHAT started off as a social football project designed to keep former professional footballers active on Sunday afternoons is slowly turning out to be one of the most beautiful football stories of the inaugural Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.

Norton Big Boys, a side made up largely of retired and semi-retired footballers, have emerged as the competition’s surprise packages and are now dreaming of a glamour tie against Premier Soccer League opposition in the Round of 32.

The Mashonaland West Division Two outfit beat hosts Nottingham Estates of Southern Region 2-0 at Dulibadzimu to punch their ticket into this exciting stage of the competition.

Former Dynamos and CAPS United forward, Evans Gwekwerere, sealed the deal in the second half.

Ozil Mupumha, who previously played for Shooting Stars, Shabanie Mine and Herentals, had grabbed the opener in the first half, much to the delight of player/coach Charles Rukwanhi.

“We are excited with the way the team has been performing and I can safely say we are ready for the round of 32,” said Rukwanhi, who himself is also a veteran of domestic PSL football.

“We are prepared to face any team.

“In fact, we will be glad if we could be paired with one of the big names like Dynamos, CAPS United, Highlanders or PSL champions Scottland.

“Of course, most of our players are not young any more but we have a group of highly experienced guys with good technical abilities.

“These guys have seen it all and we will be happy to cause one or two upsets against the PSL teams. That has been our wish from the onset and we are happy to progress this far,” said Rukwanhi.

Norton Big Boys boast a squad packed with household names from Zimbabwean football’s recent past, among them former Dynamos and Legia Warsaw striker Takesure Chinyama, ex-Dynamos, CAPS United and Highlanders forward Rodrick Mutuma, former Warriors defender Hardlife Zvirekwi, Stephen Matsangaise, Tafadzwa Rusike, Oscar Machapa and Valentine Ndaba.

One game at a time, they believe they are building towards something big, in what is their first season competing in a structured league set-up, as they are also aiming for promotion to play Division One football next year.

Backed by sponsors Better Brands and Mayor Logistics, Norton Big Boys are proving that experience still counts in the modern game.

The road to Munhumutapa Challenge Cup glory is taking shape with 14 clubs confirmed at the weekend to enter the hat in the round of 32 where they will be involved in match-ups with the topflight opponents.

Teams qualified for the Round of 32:

Blanket Mine (Central Region)

Gwanda Pirates (Central Region)

Kwekwe United (Central Region)

FC Oden (Northern Region)

Marere (Northern Region)

MWOS U’19 (Northern Region)

Blackrock (Southern Region)

Aqua Stars (Southern Region)

Hwange (Southern Region)

Jordan (Southern Region)

Chilli FC (Midlands Province)