dyton mupawaenda
Bruce Chikuni
THE Heart Cup got off to a flying start with goals galore with all the underdogs failing to produce any upset yesterday at the Heart Stadium.
Twenty five goals were recorded in the first round of the knockout stage.
Only the match between Highlanders and Correctional Queens produced a goalless draw.
Former and active footballers were in attendance yesterday to grace the event which was organised by the Heart Group of companies, a brainchild of Prophet Walter Magaya. Magaya has accommodated all the league’s 16 teams at the Yadah Hotel where they are expected to stay until the end of the tournament on Sunday.
The leagues’ top eight teams have all secured their slots in the next round of the Heart Cup, which is expected to continue today. Black Rhinos Queens will lock horns with Chapungu at 9am today before they make way for Herentals Queens who will face Correctional Queens at 11am.
Platinum Royals are scheduled to play Harare City while Maningi Academy will wrap up the second round of the knockout stage against Black Mambas Queens.
The underdogs are no longer in the picture.
Maningi Academy are the only side with slim hopes to progress to the next stage.
Their utility player, Rudo Machadu, feels they have a chance.
“We didn’t play our usual game against ZRP because maybe it was our first time to play in such a huge tournament.
“But, the win really helped us a lot and everyone is now mentally ready to play Black Mambas. It’s good that we are going to play our second game on the back of a 3-0 win, a clean sheet is what cheers us a lot and it is important for us to keep a cool head.
“We believe in teamwork and everyone is determined to fight to the end,” said Machadu.
Heart Cup First Round Results
Black Rhinos 6- 0 Mutare City; Platinum Royals 2-1 Sheasham Queens; Herentals 1-0 Conduit FC; Maningi Academy 3-0 ZRP; Black Mambas 3-0 Hope Academy; Chapungu 2-0 Faith Drive Academy; Correctional 0-0 Highlanders (4-3 penalties). Harare City 7-0 MSU
Online Reporter