Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
THE Southern Region’s four representatives will be hoping to defy the odds and carry the region into the Munhumutapa Cup quarter-finals when Round of 16 action gets under way this weekend.
Bulawayo Chiefs, Hwange, Blackrock and Jordan FC have all been handed difficult assignments, but Zifa Southern Region chairman Cris Mtungwazi believes the quartet has the quality to deliver positive results.
“The draw did not seem to favour our teams but these teams are not there by chance. We are confident they will produce good results.
“This is an important trophy and we want our teams to do well. I have always insisted we have the talent and this competition is proof of that,” said Mtungwazi.
Hwange face a demanding trip to Wadzanayi Stadium on Saturday, where they take on FC Hunters, who are enjoying their first season in the top flight.
The Coalminers will draw confidence from their impressive Round of 32 victory over giants Dynamos and, given their rich history in Zimbabwean football and the experience within their ranks, they will not view themselves as underdogs.
Having only been relegated last year, Hwange will back themselves to extend their cup run and progress at the expense of Hunters.
Blackrock, meanwhile, will be aiming for another giant-killing feat when they travel to Mandava Stadium to face FC Platinum.
The Division One outfit shocked Highlanders in a penalty shoot-out in the previous round and will now be looking to engineer another upset against one of the country’s most established Premiership sides.
After already claiming one major scalp, Blackrock will take confidence from that achievement as they seek to keep their fairy tale cup campaign alive.
Jordan FC have arguably been handed the toughest assignment of the southern quartet as they prepare to face Premiership side Hardrock at Luveve on Sunday.
Hardrock are chasing a season treble and remain in contention in all the major cup competitions, while their star-studded squad boasts quality in virtually every department.
Jordan, however, could use the underdog tag to their advantage, with the burden of expectation resting squarely on their more fancied opponents.
For Bulawayo Chiefs, the path appears more favourable on paper as they take on Gweru lower-division side Chilli FC at Ascot on Saturday.
Chiefs will enter the encounter as clear favourites, but that status can often bring its own challenges.
The Bulawayo side will need to guard against complacency against a fast-rising Chilli outfit determined to seize a rare opportunity to test themselves against top-flight opposition.
For the Southern Region quartet, this weekend is about more than merely securing places in the quarter-finals. It presents an opportunity to showcase the depth of talent within the region and justify the confidence placed in them by their chairman.
The draw may not have been kind, as Mtungwazi admits, but the Southern Region’s representatives have already demonstrated that they belong among the competition’s contenders.
Now, Chiefs, Hwange, Blackrock and Jordan FC must transform that promise into results and, in the process, defy the odds.
Fixtures
Saturday: Hunters v Hwange (Wadzanayi), FC Platinum v Blackrock (Mandava), Chili v Bulawayo Chiefs (Ascot), Scottland v MWOS Under-19 (Rufaro).
Sunday: Triangle v Blanket Mine (Gibbo), Jordan v Hardrock (Luveve)Caps United v Manica Diamonds (Rufaro).
