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Tadious Manyepo in ZVISHAVANE
AT the end of this reverting double-header Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals, determination prevailed.
Bulawayo Chiefs and Herentals progressed in similar style.
The former beat Black Rhinos 5-4 on penalties after their lunch-time kick-off match had ended goalless in regulation time.
The latter did the same, defeating FC Platinum 4-3 also on penalties after their match had finished 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Both teams will play in the final of the premium knockout tournament for the first time on November 19 at Barbourfields.
It was almost a logistical disaster as Herentals and FC Platinum had to do warm-up at a nearby rugged pitch at a school behind Mandava Stadium.
This was due to the fact that the opening match between Chiefs and Rhinos had spilled into penalties and there wasn’t sufficient time for them to wait and warm-up on the Mandava pitch.
Herentals were visibly distracted by the development and they conceded an early goal gifting Walter Musona following a calamitous mistake by their defence.
They looked down and out after failing to convert their chances throughout the match.
But they were not going to easily surrender though.
And right at the death, substitute Avi Mataranyika stole an equaliser that silenced the FC Platinum supporters.
In terms of confidence they carried the upper hand going into the lottery against the outgoing champions.
And Juan Mutudza, who was given his Premiership debut by Herentals skied FC Platinum’s second penalty.
Herentals took the initiative from then although they were to encounter some hiccup when Wilmore Chimbetu
missed the Students’ fourth penalty to give a brief lifeline to the hosts.
But Clemence Gobvu couldn’t miss the decider to spark wild celebrations by the travelling fans who turned Mandava into their own home.
Blessing Majarira, William Kapumha and Gibson Chinobva converted their kicks for the Students. Herentals coach Kumbirai Mutuwekuziva was ecstatic after the win.
“I am over the moon. My boys’ fighting spirit was the key. We thought we were down and out but my boys never threw in the towel,” said Mutuwekuziva.
“It feels great to eliminate the champions.
“The feeling is awesome and I would like to salute the team president Innocent Benza for his continued support towards this project.
“We have to keep the eyes on the ball.
I have a feeling we can win this tournament if we carry the same spirit into the final. But for now, we have to celebrate this achievement. We have never been to the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals and to be in the finals means everything.”
Earlier Bulawayo Chiefs had also booked their place in the final after beating Black Rhinos on penalties.
The army side controlled proceedings but failed to find a breakthrough.
And it came down to the lottery.
Black Rhinos’ Vincent Mhandu was the villain after his final penalty was saved by Chiefs’ substitute goalkeeper Matripples Muleya.
Farai Banda, Everson Feremba, Allan Gahadzikwa and Blessed Mbavarira had all converted their penalties while Mtokozisi Msebe, Perfect Chikwende, Felix Moyo, Elvis Moyo and Billy Veremu found the target for Chiefs.
Bulawayo Chiefs coach Thulani Sibanda hailed his charges’ composure.
Online Reporter