Mat South assured of slot in Munhumutapa last 16

MATABELELAND South, with three Division One sides still in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, is assured of a slot in the last 16 when first round matches take place on the weekend of August 7-9.

Blanket Mine, Jordan and Gwanda Pirates are the three teams.

Gwanda Pirates and Blanket Mine, who are under Luke Jukulile-Petros, play in the Central Region League while Jordan are in the Cris Mutungwazi-run Zifa Southern Region League.

What has assured Matabeleland South of a team in the final 16 is the fact that Gwanda Pirates, among the best teams on social media visibility, will be up against rising Filabusi side Jordan, who are coached by Johannes Nhumwa, a very experienced gaffer who has coached several sides in the country.

Gwanda Pirates are most likely to get home advantage after being picked up first in the draw of the country’s richest cup.

Blanket Mine, on the other end, may spring a surprise against TelOne, a side that, despite good talent in the reserves, is battling relegation, a fight compounded by their lack of luck at home.

Orchard Dube, the Jordan president, said chances of progressing to the last 16 look good.

“It’s a good draw; it’s promising we may reach the final 16. We will have to work harder and ensure we beat Gwanda Pirates,” said Dube.

Jordan have emerged as one of the most competitive teams in the Pacific Breeze League while Pirates, who are under Johannes Ngozo, rate among the most entertaining on and off the field.

Their colourful band of supporters at home provides an intimidating atmosphere for visiting clubs, and given recent rivalries in football between clubs from Gwanda and Filabusi, two key gold mining areas of Matabeleland South, an explosive match will be served to fans.

Munhumutapa Challenge Cup Round of 32 Men’s Draw update

Aqua Stars vs Chilli FC

ZPC Kariba vs Triangle

Simba Bhora vs Manica Diamonds

TelOne vs Blanket Mine

Norton Big Boys vs Hunters FC

Chicken Inn vs Ngezi Platinum Stars

Mwos FC vs Herentals

Hwange FC v Dynamos

Blackrock v Highlanders

Gwanda Pirates v Jordan