Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE inaugural Munhumutapa Challenge Cup has lived up to the unpredictability of knockout football, with Dynamos, Highlanders and TelOne among the major casualties of a dramatic Round of 32.
Lower-division sides have provided the biggest shocks, with Hwange stunning Dynamos 1-0, Blackrock eliminating Highlanders 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw, while Blanket Mine sent TelOne packing 4-3 in a shoot-out following a 1-1 stalemate.
Chicken Inn and Simba Bhora also bowed out, although at the hands of fellow Premier Soccer League sides Ngezi Platinum Stars and Manica Diamonds respectively.
For Central Region Soccer League side Blanket Mine, the victory over TelOne was a major statement of their ability to compete against top-flight opposition.
Coach Luke Petros credited preparation, discipline and belief for the upset.
“I think the guys did their homework very well. They applied what we worked on in training and understood the strengths of the team we were playing against, and that paid dividends for us,” said Petros.
“We knew we were playing against a team that competes in the top flight, a level above us. Our approach was therefore to try to absorb their pressure while also assessing our own chances and potential in terms of how competitive we can be.
“Overall, I am very happy for the boys. They worked hard and showed that they can compete at this level.”
Petros also acknowledged the role played by the club’s leadership and provincial support.
“We are also drawing a lot of inspiration from the management and the support we are receiving within the province. That support has sustained us and given us the drive to reach where we are at the moment,” he said.
Dynamos’ elimination was arguably the biggest upset, with Southern Region side Hwange prevailing 1-0 at Colliery Stadium through Morestuff Ncube’s first-half strike.
Highlanders soon followed their traditional rivals out of the competition after Blackrock frustrated them over 90 minutes before completing the job from the penalty spot.
The two results saw Zimbabwe’s traditional giants eliminated at the first hurdle by lower-league opposition.
Elsewhere, Ngezi Platinum Stars edged Chicken Inn 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw, while Manica Diamonds beat Simba Bhora 6-5 from the spot following a 1-1 stalemate.
CAPS United avoided the upset wave in emphatic fashion, thrashing Scottland Academy 6-0, while FC Platinum edged Northern Region side Marere 1-0.
Hardrock, Herentals and Bulawayo Chiefs also progressed with 1-0 victories, while Triangle United dispatched ZPC Kariba 3-0.
The early upsets have vindicated the nationwide structure of a competition launched by Zifa in March and backed by a five-year, US$25 million package.
Fourteen lower-division qualifiers joined the country’s 18 PSL clubs in the men’s Round of 32, creating rare competitive meetings between teams from different levels of Zimbabwean football.
The tournament also carries a major incentive, with the men’s champions expected to secure Zimbabwe’s ticket to the Caf Confederation Cup.
