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Noel Munzabwa
WHEN Takawira Chimwanda’s Moneni Pirates and Piggs Peak Black Swallows coached by Tavaka Gumbo squared up for the round of 16 Eswatini Bank Cup match at Somhlolo National Stadium on Sunday it inevitably had to be one of the two Zimbabweans bowing out.
It had to be the very unfortunate 1-2 results for the former Shu-Shine and Hwange midfielder, Gumbo to taste his first defeat in Eswatini in only his second match as Chimwanda marched on to the quarter-finals stage.
Menzi Simelane struck a brace for Pirates with Mfanufikile Ndzimandze replying for Piggs Peak Black Swallows.
Gumbo paid tribute to his lads for giving it their all.
“I can’t fault my boys for the defeat as they gave it their all. We now have to concentrate on the league where we must avoid relegation,” said Gumbo.
It was another Zimbabweans battle as Ayanda Ncube’s Malanti Chiefs battled for a quarter-finals berth against Denver Sundowns where George Madira is assistant and again one of them had joined Julius Chakupewa on the sidelines.
A 1-0 slender win was good enough to see the former Bulawayo City’s Ncube progress to his first ever quarter-finals since his arrival this season.
Tarisai Changara’s Tambuti FC needed another penalty shootout separation this time prevailing 2-1 over Milling Hotspurs after a goalless regulation time stalemate.
Action reverts to the MTN Premier League of Eswatini with Week 18 matches lined up around the country.
Tambuti will once again date Milling Hotspurs while Malanti Chiefs will play Mhlume Peacemakers as Moneni Pirates welcome Mbabane Swallows. Denver Sundowns play Manzini Sea Birds.
@NoelMunzabwa
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter