Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
CHICKEN INN FC head coach Tonderai Ndiraya is relishing the prospect of facing his former club Ngezi Platinum Stars after the two sides were paired together in one of the standout fixtures of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup Round of 32.
The draw, which officially ushered Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs into Zimbabwe’s flagship knockout competition, produced several mouth-watering encounters, with the all-Premier Soccer League showdown between Chicken Inn and Ngezi Platinum, which will take place at Luveve Stadium on Sunday, expected to be one of the biggest ties of the round.
For Ndiraya, who is fondly known as Stanza, the fixture carries added significance. The experienced tactician previously coached Ngezi Platinum Stars, as well as Dynamos and Scottland FC, making the encounter an emotional reunion with a club he once guided.
The Chicken Inn-Ngezi Platinum clash is expected to headline the opening round of the competition, with Ndiraya eager to prove his side can overcome one of Zimbabwe’s best teams in recent years.
Ndiraya said his side was ready to embrace the challenge of facing one of the country’s strongest teams.
“It’s another tough fixture in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup. We have to show the desire and the will to compete. Hopefully, we will take the game to Ngezi.
“They are a team that has done well over the years, so we have to prepare thoroughly for the challenge.
“If you want to be the best, you have got to beat the best. We have to improve and change our mentality. We will prepare well and try to psyche up the boys so that they are ready for the challenge,” said Ndiraya.
Having guided Ngezi Platinum Stars during his tenure, Ndiraya is well acquainted with the Mhondoro-based outfit’s strengths, adding another fascinating dimension to what is already shaping up to be one of the most eagerly awaited fixtures of the Round of 32.
The Munhumutapa Challenge Cup has attracted more than 450 men’s and women’s teams in its inaugural edition, making it one of Zimbabwe’s biggest football competitions. With Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs now entering the tournament, the battle for knockout honours is expected to intensify.
Fixtures Tomorrow
Aqua Stars vs Chili FC – Luveve Stadium (3pm)
Saturday, August 8
FC Oden vs Scottland FC – Baobab Stadium (3pm)
Bulawayo Chiefs vs Agama FC – Luveve Stadium (3pm)
Marere FC vs FC Platinum – Chahwanda Stadium (3pm)
MWOS U19 vs Chatidhege FC – MWOS Ngoni Stadium (11am)
Blackrock vs Highlanders – Colliery Stadium (3pm)
Gwanda Pirates vs Jordan FC – Phelandaba Stadium (3pm)
MWOS FC vs Herentals – MWOS Ngoni Stadium (3pm)
Sunday, August 9
ZPC Kariba vs Triangle FC – Nyamhunga Stadium (3pm)
Simba Bhora vs Manica Diamonds – Wadzanai Stadium (3pm)
Norton Big Boys vs FC Hunters – MWOS Ngoni Stadium (3pm)
TelOne FC vs Blanket Mine FC – Ascot Stadium (3pm)
Chicken Inn FC vs Ngezi Platinum FC – Luveve Stadium (3pm)
Hwange FC vs Dynamos FC – Colliery Stadium (3pm)
Scottland Academy vs CAPS United – Baobab Stadium (3pm)
Kwekwe United vs Hardrock – Chahwanda Stadium (3pm)
