Jukulile hopes history favours him in Munhumutapa Cup

Highlanders curator Jabu Nkomo (fourth from left, back row) paid the club board and executive a courtesy visit last week to pay condolences on behalf of club benefactor Sir Wicknell Chivayo following the tragic deaths of chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, his deputy Fiso Siziba, treasurer Nkani Khoza and member Mbalenhle Sibanda a fortnight ago. Bosso also lost its finance officer Samkelisiwe Mnkandla last week. The curator was also briefed on the interim set up at the club so that he gets to know the interim team that he will be working with so that he in turn briefs his principal Sir Wicknell Chivayo

Onward Gangata, [email protected]

LUKE Petros-Jukulile was the protagonist of Lancashire Steel’s Madison trophy triumph in 1999 and became the first captain to lift silverware for the former Premier Soccer League side.

He led a star-studded side that had the likes of George Magariro, Costa Maradzike, Moses Mwafulirwa, Albert Mbano and Philip Machona among others.

It was the most beautiful underdog story that year as the Kwekwe side shocked Caps United 2-1 in the final at the National Sports Stadium.

Jukulile went on to sign for South African giants, Kaizer Chiefs as his profile was catapulted by that famous cup victory.
Now, 27 years later, Jukulile is praying that history repeats itself and favourably so for him as a coach.

The former Lancashire Steel striker is now the head coach at Central Region Soccer League side, Blanket Mine.
The Gwanda side are among the last 16 teams in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.

They recently knocked TelOne out of the country’s premier cup tournament after a 4-3 penalty shootout.
“Looking at the way we are playing at the moment, we stand a chance,” said Jukulile.

“I am hoping that we surpass the next hurdle, as it is said that history repeats itself and water usually flows along the same path as it did previously.
“But that does not mean it will come on a silver platter, we have to achieve that through hard work.”

Blanket Mine will however have to shift their focus to the league before they know their next opponents in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.

The miners, who are in pole position, will travel to Beitbridge to face Dulibadzimu today.

Meanwhile,Johannes Ngodzo will lead Gwanda Pirates in a derby against cross town rivals, Super Strikers at Phelandaba Stadium on the same day.
Former premiership side Kwekwe United are at home to ZRP Gwanda at Baghdad Stadium.
Second placed Chapungu will be in action tomorrow when they host Beitbridge side, Vhembe Stars Academy.

Mid week- fixtures: Wednesday
Dulibadzimu v Blanket Mine, Gwanda Pirates v Super Strikers, Good Morning v Grain Tigers, Kwekwe United v ZRP Gwanda, Shabanie Mine v FC Platinum U19, Sabi Gold Mine v Matobo.
Thursday:

Tongogara v Shurugwi FC, Chapungu v Vhembe Stars Academy, West Nicholson v MSU.