adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
CONSULTATIONS for this year’s edition of the Zimbabwe Independence Cup package are ongoing with the government set to unveil the prize money soon.
Four teams Dynamos, ZPC Kariba, Caps United and FC Platinum have already been handpicked by virtue of finishing in the top four of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League last season.
The semi-finals will be held on April 15 with FC Platinum, holders of the cup playing host to Caps United at Mandava Stadium while the other semi-final will pit Dynamos and ZPC Kariba. Winners will proceed to the final set for the giant National Sports Stadium where the main celebrations will be held.
Losing semi-finalists are likely to be in Bulawayo for the third place playoff.
“The prize money hasn’t been finalised yet but I’m confident that consultations between the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture are going on as we speak and definitely something will come out,” said the Sports and Recreation Commission spokesperson Tirivashe Nheweyembwa. DeMbare have appeared in the final 10 times since independence in 1980, winning the trophy six times, five of them after beating Highlanders.
The Independence Cup has generally been dominated by Highlanders and Dynamos as the two clubs have appeared 25 times in the final between them, winning the trophy 11 times. Dynamos beat Highlanders 2-1 in the very first final in 1983, met and beat them 3-2 in the 1990 final and the Harare giants had to play second fiddle to Highlanders and Caps United for the next five years before reclaiming the trophy in grand style in 1995, mauling Chapungu 5-0.
Their next three wins were against Highlanders who they beat 2-0 in 1998, 2-1 in 2004 and 2-0 in 2010.
Bongani Moyo