Matabeleland South teams eye top finish

Teams from Matabeleland South Province in the Central Region Soccer League are targeting strong finishes in the inaugural Dream Inn and GMI Super 8 Challenge Cup, with clubs describing the new tournament as a major boost for football development in the region.

The competition received a significant injection when businessman and gold magnet Shepherd Chahwanda, through his business entities Dream Inn and GMI, launched the cup with US$16 000 in sponsorship.

Eight teams will take part in the knockout tournament, with the final set for Chahwanda Stadium later this season.

The tournament will start directly at the quarter-final stage and is expected to add competitive mileage to clubs already engaged in a demanding league programme.

The quarter-final draw has produced two derbies and two other blockbuster ties. Chapungu and Tongogara will renew their rivalry in what has already been dubbed “The Military Derby”.

It will be the third meeting between the two uniformed forces sides this season after they previously clashed in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup and in the league. Both previous encounters ended in draws, with Chapungu going through on penalties in the Munhumutapa Cup. The repeat fixture is expected to draw big crowds and high interest given the history between the sides.

In Gwanda, local rivals Gwanda Pirates and West Nicholson will also meet in a derby that promises bragging rights in the province. Log leaders Blanket Mine will host Kwekwe-based Grain Tigers in another quarter-final, while Kwekwe United will face Super Strikers in the other match.

Blanket Mine, who are leading the Central Region table, say they are approaching the cup with the same seriousness as the league.

Secretary-General Observe Mago said tournaments like the Dream Inn and GMI Super 8 are vital for the growth of the game because they provide additional competitive opportunities, expose players to high-intensity matches, and create platforms for talent identification.

He added that such competitions generate excitement among supporters, attract media coverage, and enhance sponsor interest, all of which contribute to the overall development of football.

For communities, he noted, the cup brings people together and strengthens the sport’s footprint beyond the regular league calendar.

“Our focus remains firmly on achieving our objectives in the league while also competing strongly in the Dream Inn and GMI Super 8 Challenge Cup. We view the tournament as a valuable opportunity to test our squad depth, maintain competitive momentum, and further develop our players in a demanding environment,” he said.

“The technical team has planned accordingly to ensure the players are physically and mentally prepared for both competitions. At Blanket Mine FC, we approach every competition with ambition and professionalism, and we remain fully committed to performing well in both the league and the cup.”

Super Strikers secretary general Admire Ndlovu also welcomed the introduction of the tournament, saying it adds another competitive dimension to regional football.

He thanked Dream Inn and GMI for investing in the game and supporting clubs and players. According to Ndlovu, the cup gives teams an extra platform to showcase talent while creating more exciting football content for supporters and attracting greater attention to the league.

He said corporate involvement in competitions like the Super 8 demonstrates the commercial potential of the game and could encourage more sponsors to come on board.

For players, particularly young and upcoming talent, Ndlovu said every additional competitive tournament is another chance to perform, gain experience and be noticed by scouts and bigger clubs. For supporters, it provides something different to compete for beyond the league championship. Super Strikers are determined to be competitive in both competitions.

“We understand that competing in the Super 8 while fulfilling our league programme will demand good preparation, squad management and discipline. As Super Strikers FC, we want to be competitive on every front. The league remains extremely important to us, but once we enter the Super 8, we will give the tournament the respect and commitment it deserves,” said Ndlovu.

He added that the technical team will manage the squad carefully because playing in multiple competitions can be demanding, but it also presents opportunities for more players to contribute.

The club is approaching the second half of the season with determination and wants to represent both Super Strikers FC and the Gwanda community with pride.

Gwanda Pirates Secretary-General Dumolwenkosi Dube said his club is excited to be part of the competition, especially because such initiatives help clubs that do not have major funding.

He described the tournament as important for improving standards, increasing excitement for supporters, and creating more opportunities for sponsorship and investment.“As a club currently without a major sponsor, we sincerely appreciate what GMI is doing to support football in our region, and we hope more partners will come on board to strengthen the game,” Dube said.

Gwanda Pirates are targeting silverware on all fronts this season. The club is also in the round of 32 of the Munhumutapa Cup, and Dube spoke of the possibility of a treble.“We are fully focused because our ambition is to compete and win every competition we enter. Who knows, we could even be talking about a treble at the end of the season. We have great confidence in our players, the coach, and his technical team.

While the second half of the season will be demanding, especially with injuries and fixture congestion, we believe we have a capable squad to compete successfully,” he said.

The major challenge, he admitted, remains a lack of funds, and the club hopes to secure financial support to ensure smooth participation throughout the competition.

The US$16,000 sponsorship by Chahwanda’s companies is being seen as a landmark for the Central Region, which has often struggled to attract corporate backing.

League officials believe the tournament will not only raise the profile of the Central Region but also provide a template for how private sector investment can support grassroots and semi-professional football.

With the final to be played at Chahwanda Stadium, anticipation is already building among fans in Matabeleland South and the Midlands.

As the second half of the season approaches, clubs are balancing league ambitions with cup dreams. For Blanket Mine, it is about maintaining their lead while adding a cup. For Super Strikers and Gwanda Pirates, it is about using the tournament to build momentum and profile. For Chapungu and Tongogara, it is another chapter in a growing rivalry. And for West Nicholson, Grain Tigers and Kwekwe United, it is an opportunity to upset the odds.