Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HERENTALS Queens face a possible fixture clash after being drawn away to Scottland Queens in a Munhumutapa Challenge Cup Round of 16 tie scheduled for the same weekend as the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifier final in Botswana.
The domestic Cup round will be played from August 28 to 30, while the regional qualifier final is set for August 29 in Gaborone.
Should Herentals reach the final, ZIFA would have to move their domestic tie or approve another arrangement.
The association had not announced by last night the exact date of the Scottland-Herentals match or what would happen should the Zimbabwean champions reach the regional final.
Herentals open their continental campaign against Zambia’s ZESCO Ndola Girls at GU Stadium in Gaborone today. Kick-off is at noon.
Coach Simbarashe Dedza said the four-time Women’s Premiership champions would play the domestic fixture after returning home if ZIFA approves a postponement.
“If postponement is allowed, we will play the game when we return to Zimbabwe,” he said.
“For now, our focus is on the Champions League, and our eyes are on the top prize.
“A postponed fixture would bring pressure, but that should not affect us. We want to reach the finals of every competition.
“We have enough depth to sustain both competitions, so we remain focused and ready to give our all.”
The Scottland-Herentals meeting is the stand-out fixture among the eight women’s ties drawn in the capital on Tuesday.
Scottland Queens coach Lindiwe Ndlovu, who also leads the Young Mighty Warriors, believes the competition gives players outside the top flight a rare opportunity to test themselves against established opposition.
“Even players from Division Two get an opportunity to compete against and learn from their role models playing in Division One or the top flight,” she said.
“Olympic qualifiers are coming, and this is an opportunity for emerging players to prove themselves and perhaps break into the national teams.”
Elsewhere in the women’s draw, Chegutu Community Queens host Black Rhinos Queens, FC Platinum Royals welcome Correctional Queens, while Chapungu Queens travel to Bulawayo to face Mpopoma Sports Academy.
In the men’s competition, CAPS United face Manica Diamonds, FC Platinum meet Black Rock, while Scottland take on MWOS Under-19.
The Round of 16 will also feature eight
futsal matches.
MUNHUMUTAPA CHALLENGE CUP ROUND OF 16
MEN: Ngezi Platinum Stars v Herentals
FC Platinum v Black Rock
Chilli FC v Bulawayo Chiefs
Jordan FC v Hardrock FC
FC Hunters v Hwange
Triangle v Blanket Mine
CAPS United v Manica Diamonds
Scottland v MWOS Under-19
WOMEN: Las Palmas v Herentals Under-19
Hardrock Queens v Black Mambas Queens
Scottland Queens v Herentals Queens
Kwekwe v Harare City Queens
Maningi Queens v Faith Drive Academy
Chegutu Community Queens v Black Rhinos Queens
FC Platinum Royals v Correctional Queens
Chapungu Queens v Mpopoma Sports Academy
FUTSAL: Sunshine Stars v Kilworth Academy
Inkunzi Emnyama v FC Millennium
GD5 FC v Shibobo
TNS FC v Nedbank
Patricon FC v Amabhubesi Juniors
South Wanders v Mitchet Stars
Amabhubesi FC v Sobukazi Sports Academy
GoBoyz FC v 16 Views FC
