Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE chase for the US$1 million Munhumutapa Challenge Cup prize continues today when CAPS United host Manica Diamonds at Rufaro and Triangle United welcome Blanket Mine at Gibbo.
The inaugural competition is backed by a US$5 million annual sponsorship package, the largest investment in a knockout tournament in Zimbabwean football.
For Manica Diamonds and Triangle, the Cup offers an opportunity to find some joy in difficult league campaigns.
Manica Diamonds are staring at relegation, but coach Herbert Maruwa believes they can make amends by winning the country’s richest knockout tournament.
“It’s a massive game for us. We need to be at our best and fight to the end,” Maruwa told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“Cup games are different from league matches. At the end of the game, there must be a winner, so the approach is different. We need to show our intention. Considering where our team is on the log, we need to make amends by winning this Cup.”
CAPS United go into the tie having beaten Scottland Academy 6-0 in the round of 32. Makepekepe are also through to the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals after beating Simba Bhora 3-2.
Coach Takesure Chiragwi, who led Ngezi Platinum Stars to the league championship in 2023, is now seeking knockout success with a CAPS United side eager to reclaim its Cup Kings tag.
At Gibbo, Genesis Mangombe is also looking to the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup for relief as Triangle battle relegation.
Mangombe has built a good record in knockout competitions, having won the Chibuku Super Cup with Dynamos in 2023 before guiding Triangle to the final last year.
Triangle beat ZPC Kariba 3-0 in the round of 32, but Mangombe is wary of Central Region Division One side Blanket Mine.
“We are going to take this seriously. We just want to win and qualify for the next round,” he said.
“Blanket Mine are doing so well, so we are going to take them seriously. A win will make our community happy.”
Former Warriors and Kaizer Chiefs striker Luke Petros has been coaching for 20 years, but is yet to win a major Cup.
He believes his team, Blanket Mine, can upset their more illustrious Premiership opponents.
“The morale is high. The team is ready for the match, knowing what Triangle are capable of doing at their home ground,” Petros said.
“Cup games are full of surprises. We are a Division One side and Triangle United are bottom of the log in the PSL (Premier Soccer League). Expect a lot of surprises.”
