Highlanders out of Independence Cup

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
FOR the second time in three years, Highlanders will not be participating in the Independence Cup tournament after the organisers chose to engage clubs that finished in the top four of the Castle Lager Premiership table last season.The absence of Highlanders in the tournament also means Bulawayo will miss the opportunity of playing host to the ceremonial event.

In a brief interview yesterday, Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said the 31st edition of the Uhuru Cup will start at the semifinal stage on April 15, pitting holders FC Platinum who finished the season fourth last year against Caps United at Mandava Stadium. Makepekepe, who last won the Uhuru Cup way back in 1997, having also won it a year before, ended last season third on the table.

The other semifinal will feature record Independence Cup winners Dynamos and 2014 season surprise package ZPC Kariba.

“As you are aware these games are organised and run by Zifa, who also have the prerogative of choosing how it’s played and who participates,” said Gwesela.
Dynamos will begin as favourites to go all the way and win their eighth Uhuru Cup, having won the inaugural title in 1983.

Their last triumph was in 2013 when they beat Highlanders 1-0. In fact Dynamos’ five of their seven wins have come at the expense of Highlanders, 2-1 in 1983, 2-0 in 1998, 2-1 in 2004, 2-0 in 2010 and 1-0 in 2013.

Highlanders on the other hand boast of six Independence Cup wins, their first in 1986 when they beat Caps United 2-1.

Bosso’s last taste of the Independence Cup was in 2011 at the expense of their old nemesis Dynamos through a penalty shootout.

Mkhuphali Masuku was in charge of Highlanders then, having taken over from Egyptian Mohammed Fathi.

Independence Cup winners since 1983:

1983, 1984 (Dynamos), 1986 (Highlanders), 1987 (Black Rhinos), 1988, (Highlanders), 1989 (Zimbabwe Saints), 1990 (Dynamos), 1991 (Highlanders), 1992, 1993 (Caps United), 1994 (Chapungu United), 1995 (Dynamos), 1996,1997 (Caps United), 1998 (Highlanders),1999 (AmaZulu),2001,2002 (Highlanders), 2003 (Black Rhinos), 2004 (Dynamos), 2005 (Motor Action), 2006, 2007 (Masvingo United), 2008(Shooting Stars), 2009 (Njube Sundowns),2010 (Dynamos), 2011 (Highlanders), 2012 (FC Platinum), 2013 (Dynamos), 2014 (FC Platinum).