Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
BATTLE lines have been drawn, with eight women’s sides set for action this weekend and a hefty US$200 000 on the line in the prestigious Munhumutapa Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
Herentals Under-19 will host Division One side Black Mambas Queens at Gwanzura, while Chapungu Queens are expected to welcome Black Rhinos Queens at Manyame Airbase.
FC Platinum Royals will host Harare City Queens at Mandava, while Faith Drive Academy face a stern test against four-time league champions Herentals Queens at Chisamba Stadium.
Winners from each quarter-finals will progress to the semi-finals on 5 and 6 December, before converging for the final showdown on 22 December with US$200,000 on the line for the champions.
Herentals Queens are eyeing a chance to take their league dominance into the inaugural edition of the national cup competition, which also sees men’s teams fighting for a US$1 million top prize. Based on their league form, Vagoni Vebasa — as they are affectionately known — could end up with the double as they sit top of the ZWPSL table with a few games remaining.
“We want to make history by winning the first edition of the cup tournament, so we have been busy with preparations to ensure that we make it,” said Herentals coach Simbarashe Dedza.
“Obviously, any opponent that comes to play against us often steps up to make life difficult for us, so we will not underestimate Faith Drive.
“Our preparations have been going on well, although some of our players are in camp for national duty, but we have the depth to take us all the way, and we are ready.”
Faith Drive Academy director Dumisani Sithole understands the challenge Herentals pose.
“This is a big game for us and as we were preparing we also had to ensure that our girls are psychologically ready to face the giants,” he said.
“Cup games need a different approach altogether from league games; there is no chance to fight another day, so we should simply bring our best foot forward.” At Manyame Airbase in Harare, visitors Black Rhinos will look to avenge the heartbreak of 2024 when Chapungu dumped them out of The Heart League semi-finals with a 2-0 victory at The Heart Stadium. The ZWPSL heavyweights will treat the battle as a uniformed forces derby, with redemption or repeat on the line.
“This is a big battle for us; one which needed us to prepare well, in time to ensure that we survive the race because Black Rhinos are not a pushover,” said Chapungu manager Portia Chihota.
