Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
BLACK Rhinos head coach Waddington Chinyanganya has sounded a cautionary note ahead of his side’s Super 8 Cup quarter-final clash with Chingwere on Sunday.
The military outfit will lock horns with Chingwere at Kuwadzana Stadium on August 2, with kick-off set for 1500 hours, as the Northern Region Soccer League’s flagship knockout tournament gets underway this weekend.
“We have played them before at Pupajena, so we know all about them,” said Chinyanganya. “We are coming from a break, but we didn’t break as we prepared for the second round, so I can say we are prepared for the game.”
Chinyanganya, however, made it clear that his immediate focus remains on the league campaign, with the second round set to resume next week.
“I am much more concerned with the league. It’s midweek, Wednesday, so we are prepared for the games,” he said.
With Chauya Chipembere sitting five points atop of the second placed Harare City, Chinyanganya stressed the importance of maintaining momentum during this critical phase.
“Remember, this is the last leg, so we need to keep pushing and keep believing,” he said.
“Since we are only five points off the goal, we are supposed to work extra hard so that we achieve the objective.”
Meanwhile, the NRSL unveiled an attractive prize structure for the Super 8 Cup, with substantial cash rewards on offer for both individual and team excellence.
Each of the seven matches will see the Man of the Match pocket US$100, while the Golden Boot winner and Goalkeeper of the Tournament will each receive US$400. The Player of the Tournament will walk away with US$600, while the Coach of the Tournament will be rewarded with US$500.
Chinyanganya also confirmed that reinforcements are on the way as he looks to bolster his squad for the demanding run-in, though he remained tight-lipped on specific arrivals.
“I have had a few guys to beef up the squad, but the papers are not yet done. Yes, we have added two or three players, but I cannot mention their names because the paperwork is not finalised,” he said.
The Super 8 Cup quarter-finals kick off this afternoon, with Harare City taking on Cranborne Bullets at Callies Sports Club.
Saturday’s fixtures see G&T Mining face CP Chemicals at Pfupajena, while Ngezi Stars U19 host Golden Eagles at Ellis Robins High School, before Black Rhinos round off the weekend action against Chingwere.
The cup tournament returned four years later after the last final pitting Golden Eagles and Simba Bhora was staged in October 2022.
