Mathuthu remains upbeat

Sports Reporter
BLACK Rhinos coach Jostein Mathuthu believes his army outfit may surprise all and sundry as they aim to atone for a faltering league campaign by lifting the Chibuku Super Cup this year.
The army side caused one of the biggest upsets when they knocked out league champions Dynamos in the first round, courtesy of Nesbert Padzarondora’s solitary strike at Gwanzura back in July.

Mathuthu yesterday said he was looking to continue with their promising run in the competition after they were drawn to play Triangle United in the quarter-finals.
The Chauya Chipembere coach said his side has what it takes to go all the way and were ready to meet any team in the last eight.

He said it was wrong to say there were some “giants” in domestic football.
“I consider this a very fair and balanced draw. Many people would have wanted us to face Highlanders or CAPS United but this is what comes out when a draw is conducted in a fair environment, I am sure nobody can complain.

“I wouldn’t say I am lucky (to avoid the giants), I wouldn’t say CAPS United is a giant or Highlanders is a giant. If I am to be fair enough, I think Triangle is one of the strongest teams in the second half of the season.

“They are playing good football, very strong indeed.
“I believe there are no small teams in the league, no wonder why we are there in the quarter-finals, so is Chiredzi and Triangle. All the teams are the same.

“It’s a question of which team accounts itself better on the day. We would want to go all the way to the final and win it. That’s what any coach wants,” said Mathuthu.
Triangle assistant coach Gift Muzadzi said he was looking forward to the match against Rhinos.

Muzadzi praised the sponsors for bringing back the tournament following a lengthy absence.
“We used to support the Chibuku Cup as young boys and it’s unfortunate some of us never got to play in the tournament during our career since it had stopped.

“It was off for some time but it’s great that it’s back again to boost our football. Hopefully, it’s a chance to win the Chibuku Cup for the first time but as of now the aim is to reach the next stage and then take it game by game,” said Muzadzi.

The 16-team knock-out tournament was re-launched this year as sponsors poured in US$500 000.
The winners will walk away with US$75 000 while losing finalists pocket US$50 000.

The teams that make it to the last four will get US$25 000 while those that fail to go past the quarter-finals settle for US$20 000.