Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
THE Munhumutapa Challenge Cup has already shown that reputations count for little once the whistle goes, and Blanket Mine will be hoping to add another chapter to that story when they face FC Platinum at Luveve Stadium tomorrow.
For a club whose squad is largely made up of young players, the quarter-final represents much more than a chance to reach the last four.
It is an opportunity to test themselves against one of the country’s established football forces, enjoy the occasion and, perhaps, produce the kind of giant-killing act that gives cup football its special appeal.
Blanket Mine coach Luke Jukulile-Petros believes his charges are ready for the challenge.
The Gwanda-based side had been due to play host to FC Platinum at Phelandaba Stadium before the fixture was moved to Luveve, but the change of venue has not altered their approach.
Jukulile-Petros says his team has prepared well and are determined to keep their journey in the competition alive.
“We want to continue with our journey in this tournament. We have prepared well for the game and the players are looking forward to the challenge,” said Petros.
That challenge is a sizeable one.
FC Platinum arrive with the pedigree that comes with being one of Zimbabwe’s more established clubs, while Blanket Mine are the side dreaming of upsetting the script.
But that is precisely what makes Sunday attractive.
Cup football has a way of stripping away the comfort of league tables and reputations. One good afternoon, one disciplined performance or one moment of brilliance can completely change the story.
For Blanket Mine’s youngsters, the opportunity to play against a club of FC Platinum’s stature is also a lesson that cannot easily be replicated on the training ground.
Jukulile-Petros believes the occasion itself will provide an extra source of motivation for his players.
“This is a huge motivation for the players because they are young and they want to develop. Playing against a team like FC Platinum gives them an opportunity to test themselves and see where they stand,” he said.
The coach is not disguising the developmental nature of his squad.
Blanket Mine are using the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup as a platform for their young players to gain experience, but there is no suggestion that they are approaching the quarter-final merely as a learning exercise.
They want to compete.
“We have a young team and we are taking this competition as part of the development of our players, but at the same time we want to continue in the tournament. We are preparing to compete and give ourselves a chance,” said Jukulile-Petros.
That balance, development and ambition could define Blanket Mine’s afternoon at Luveve.
The youngsters have already travelled this far, and reaching the quarter-finals has given them a taste of what knockout football can offer.
Now comes the opportunity to take another step.
For FC Platinum, the expectation will naturally be different. They will be expected to negotiate the tie and avoid becoming another big name undone by the unpredictability of cup football.
Blanket Mine, meanwhile, have nothing to lose in terms of reputation and everything to gain.
A victory would send them into the semi-finals and transform what has already been a valuable developmental experience into one of the competition’s biggest stories.
“We know it is going to be a difficult game, but we are ready. We have prepared well and we want to continue with our journey. The players are motivated and they want to show what they can do,” said Jukulile-Petros.
And that is perhaps the beauty of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
It has given young players an opportunity to dream beyond their normal surroundings and has created a stage where the established order can be challenged.
On Sunday, Blanket Mine will walk into Luveve carrying that dream.
FC Platinum will carry the pedigree.
Football will decide which one survives.
Munhumutapa Challenge
Cup fixtures
Today: Hunters v CAPS United (Rufaro Stadium)
Sunday: Scottland v Bulawayo Chiefs (Rufaro Stadium); Hardrock v Herentals (Chahwanda Stadium); Blanket Mine v FC Platinum (Luveve Stadium).
