Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
THE battle is on among teams from the Central Region Soccer League (CRSL) drawn from Matabeleland South Province as they continue their focus on strong finishes in the inaugural Dream Inn and GMI Super 8 Challenge Cup.
Described as a major boost for football development in the region, the new tournament has received a significant injection when businessman and gold magnate Shepherd Chahwanda, through his business entities Dream Inn and GMI, launched the cup with US$16 000 in sponsorship.
Eight teams over the past weekend took part in the knockout tournament, with the final set for Chahwanda Stadium later this season.
The tournament started directly at the quarter-final stage and is expected to add competitive mileage to clubs already engaged in a demanding league programme.
First to book their places in the semi-finals were West Nicholson and Tongogara FC after edging Gwanda Pirates and Chapungu FC respectively on Saturday.
In what was dubbed the Gwanda derby, West Nicholson and Gwanda Pirates played to a 1-1 stalemate before a penalty shootout, in which the former won 11-10.
Dubbed the “Military Derby,” Chapungu and Tongogara renewed their rivalry, with Tongogara winning 2-1.
It was the third meeting between the two uniformed forces sides this season after they previously clashed in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup and in the league. Previous encounters ended in draws, with Chapungu going through on penalties in the Munhumutapa Cup.
Last Sunday saw Super Strikers stunning Kwekwe United 2-0, a result which shocked many as the latter is second-placed in the league.
The league’s log leaders, Blanket Mine, were also left puzzled after a penalty shootout with Grain Tigers ended 11-12, with the match having ended 1-1.
Now the derby battle resumes as West Nicholson will face Super Strikers while Tongogara FC will battle it out for the final spot with Grain Tigers.
West Nicholson FC head coach Ofhani Muleya said they are well prepared for this tournament.
“We have prepared a lot for these games, especially for this top 8, and the reason I am saying that is that before the season kicked off, we were quite aware there was going to be such a tournament, and we made sure we were part of it.
“What kills most clubs is preparing only for the league, as it derails plans, but for us we had it on our calendar of events, and during the period of ideation we were preparing much more to get to the Top 8, unlike with the Munhumutapa Cup, which saw us being knocked out earlier because we didn’t prepare, as it was introduced when the season started, and it was difficult to reschedule our programmes to sort it in, but come next year we will prepare knowingly,” said Muleya.
Super Strikers secretary general Admire Ndlovu said although the league has certainly been challenging, they never lost belief in the team or the project.
“The cup has brought out a different level of hunger, togetherness and determination from the players. We also became more disciplined in our approach, took our opportunities when they came, and played with the understanding that cup football is about moments and mentality.
“The players have responded positively to the pressure, and the belief within the dressing room has grown with every game. We are proud of the way they have represented Superstrikers FC and Gwanda.
“We are treating the two competitions separately. The cup is an opportunity to achieve something special, but the league remains equally important to us. We don’t want the cup run to hide the areas where we need to improve.
“Our message to the players is simple: enjoy the moment, but remain disciplined and hungry.
“Every training session and every match is an opportunity to improve. We are focused on taking the cup as far as possible while continuing to address the challenges that have affected our league campaign,” he said.
Ndlovu said their biggest priority is to build a stronger and more competitive Superstrikers FC.
“We want to learn from this season, identify where we fell short and strengthen the squad and the club structure.
“We will continue investing in our players, youth development, technical structures, discipline and overall professionalism.
“We also want to strengthen our relationship with our supporters, sponsors and the Gwanda community because Superstrikers FC is bigger than just the first team.
“Our ambition is to compete consistently at a higher level. The cup run has reminded everyone of what this team is capable of, but we don’t want it to be a once-off moment. We want to make winning, competing and representing Gwanda with pride part of the culture of Superstrikers FC.
“ To our supporters: keep believing. The journey is still unfolding, and we are determined to make you proud. Superyoyoyo. One Team Enkulu,” said Ndlovu.
