adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
IT’S official, the Mbada Diamonds Cup final will be a Bulawayo affair following How Mine’s 4-2 penalty shootout win against Caps United in the second semi-final played at the giant National Sports Stadium yesterday. The two teams were tied 2-2 after regulation time.
Bulawayo giants Highlanders sailed through to the final after dismissing Harare City 5-3 also on penalties at Mandava Stadium on Saturday.
It will be the first final pitting city clubs in a major cup after the Highlanders-Zimbabwe Saints, Rothmans Shield in 1988.
How Mine, under Philani “Beefy” Ncube scored four of their spot kicks while Khumbulani Banda missed the fifth.
The final is almost certain to be at Barbourfields Stadium on 30 November.
It’s definitely going to be a top drawer match as Highlanders will be seeking revenge against the gold miners who are probably the reason why the championship race has not been decided with just three games to go before the season ends.
How Mine beat Highlanders home and away in their league clashes, winning 2-1 in the first encounter and 1-0 in the second, all at Barbourfields Stadium.
The miners’ win or loss in the final could find themselves playing in Africa as Highlanders might not be eligible following their three-year suspension by Caf. The Bulawayo giants failed to participate in the 2011 Confederations Cup competition due to financial constraints.
The blame lay with Zifa whose staff, without consulting, had submitted Bosso for the Confederation Cup.
Runners-up in the Mbada Diamonds Cup will get $90 000, winners will pocket $130 000 and will have a subsidy of $110 000 for the Africa Safari.
There is no doubt that this will be one of the biggest derbies in the history of the local game.
Kelvin Kaindu will be eager to win this one and picking up the league title would be a bonus that would enhance his CV.
With about eight players who have played for Highlanders in their ranks and previous wins, How Mine have a psychological advantage.
In Harare they won a battle of mind games yesterday by overcoming off the field hassles after their dressing room was broken into at half time.
Online Reporter