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Bukhosi Mangena Sports Correspondent
SOUTHERN region-based Premiership clubs seek to dominate the Chibuku Super Cup and wrest the league title from Harare giants Dynamos after five teams from the region qualified for the quarter-finals last weekend. Defending Chibuku Super Cup champions FC Platinum eased into the quarter-finals by dismissing newboys Dongo Sawmills 2-0 at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane before Chicken Inn saw off Hwange FC by a similar score line at Luveve Stadium.
How Mine then beat rivals Highlanders 4-3 on penalties at Barbourfields Stadium after the teams deadlocked 1-1 after 90 minutes. Triangle joined their southern region counterparts by beating Tsholotsho FC 3-0 on penalties after a 2-2 stalemate after regulation time. Chapungu beat Flame Lily 2-1.
The winners of the Chibuku Super Cup will represent the country in the Caf Confederations Cup.
In addition to the five teams in the quarter-finals, the southern region clubs also presently dominate the Premiership with Bulawayo side Chicken Inn at the top of the table with 34 points followed by Triangle (32), How Mine (29), Dynamos (29) and FC Platinum (28) after 17 games.
Despite the southern region teams dominating the quarter-finals whose draw is yet to conducted, the coaches have played down the “shifting of power” talk saying they would take each game as it comes up to the end of the season.
How Mine gaffer Luke Masomere said his sights were on the Chibuku Super Cup and dismissed talk of a double saying it was too early as it was difficult to ascertain if they would continue playing well.
Masomere said getting off to a good start by knocking out Bulawayo giants Highlanders last Sunday was a positive sign that they could take on any team in the quarter-finals and win as they were not under any form of pressure.
“We got a good start by progressing to the quarter-finals and I believe that we can take on any team at the moment. We’ve been performing well even in the league, but I can’t say whether we’re going to win the league or not,” said Masomere.
Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas also dismissed talk that they were eyeing the league and cup double saying being champions was a process and their progress to the quarter-finals at the expense of the physical Chipangano did not mean they were already winners as there are still more games ahead.
“We played very well against a physical Hwange FC, but that doesn’t mean we’re already there. There are still more games to go and the same applies to the league.
“We’re at the top of the log, but that makes things worse because you’re everyone’s target. As it stands, we can’t say whether we’re double material,” said Antipas.
Although the Gamecocks shrugged off a challenge from the coal miners, it was at high cost as they lost two players to injury.
Clement Matawu had a head injury that required six stitches while Tafadzwa Kutinyu suffered a knee injury.
Buoyant Triangle FC coach Kelvin Kaindu also poured cold water on instant success in his first season with the Lowveld team.
“Progressing to the quarter-finals was good for us and I’m pleased with the boys because they showed great character even with a man down,” said Kaindu.
“We can’t say that we’re targeting a double or that there is a power shift because it’s still early and what we’ve to do is to remain focused,” he said.
This weekend’s focus will shift from the Chibuku Super Cup to the Premiership with two repeat fixtures. How Mine and Highlanders will renew their rivalry at Barbourfields while Tsholotsho and Triangle FC duel in a rematch of their own.
Online Reporter