adminGrace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
HARARE City and Hwange will be chasing a Mbada Diamonds Cup semi-final spot for the first time this afternoon when they clash at Dulibadzimu in Beitbridge.
Both teams have reached the quarter-finals for the first time.
Hwange coach Nation Dube believes this could be their year to make a big impression.
By yesterday afternoon Chipangano were already in the border town while their opponents were still on their way and were expected to arrive late in the night.
“It will be a tough game and it is anybody’s game. This year we have managed to progress to the quarter-finals for the first time and we want to go all the way to the finals.
“That is our wish. We have never really done well in this Cup but we are just confident this year,” said Dube.
The miners are enjoying a new lease of life and have done well in their recent league games.
However, Dube said Cup games are always tricky.
One of Hwange’s biggest victories at the Colliery was against Harare City whom they walloped 4-1.
“It was then and now it is a new game. That performance cannot be repeated and tomorrow (today) we will put on a different display.
“League games and Cup games are different.
“With a Cup game all the teams give their best as you know if you are beaten you are out. In a league you can bank on a draw or just know it is only three points lost but the race is still on.
“At least we don’t have any injuries and we are focused on the game. We arrived well in time, we are relaxed and we will have a light session later in the day (yesterday),” said Dube.
Hwange will look up to players such as Farayi Vimisayi, Gilbert Zulu, Eric Chipeta and David Boriwondo to carry the day for the miners. Harare City have some injuries going into this match.
The duo of Phineas Bamusi and Talent Chawapiwa are out with injuries while midfielder Nathan Ziwini was yet to be certified fit for the game.
However, defender David Kutyauripo has fully recovered and is expected to use his experience in this tournament and guide the youthful team to the last four.
“We are prepared for the match. We picked a lot of injuries, probably it was caused by fatigue as we had three games inside seven days,” said coach Bigboy Mawiwi.
“However, we have many capable players to choose from.
“We know Hwange are motivated. They are a good side and are doing very well. But this is a Cup game and we will see what we can offer in the match.”
Online Reporter