Ilunga feels they crashed out with honour

Bruce Chikuni

BLACK Rhinos forward, Elie IIunga, believes his side crashed out of the Chibuku Super Cup with honour.

The army side were knocked out by Bulawayo Chiefs in a penalty shootout at Mandava on Sunday.

The match had ended goalless in regulation time.

Many had tipped Chauya Chipembere to reach the competition’s final, after they had eliminated one of Cup favourites, Chicken Inn, in the quarter-finals.

Rhinos were the brighter side throughout the match, controlling possession, but were unable to breach the Ninjas’ resolute defence.

Chiefs held their own to settle for a goalless stalemate as if they knew they were going to win via the penalty lottery.

Rhinos have been one of the most exciting teams to watch in the current campaign.

They seem to have discarded their robust and defensive style of play, to display a neat passing style.

And IIunga feels progressing to the semi-finals was a huge climb for them.

“It’s unfortunate that we are now out of the Chibuku Super Cup tournament. 

“We really wanted to win the competition, but it is what it is.

“I think considering where we are coming from as a club, I would say we should pride ourselves for reaching the semi-finals,” said IIunga.

“We are gradually playing how the coach wants us to play.

“And, losing at this stage, through a penalty shootout, shows we are moving in a positive direction.”

The giant striker has been one of the league’s better players this season.

He joined at the beginning of the campaign and has so far netted nine times.

Rhinos are now shifting focus to the Castle Lager Premiership where they travel to Ngezi Platinum Stars on Saturday.