Chronicle EditorEddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
PREMIERSHIP newboys Yadah Stars are drawing inspiration from last year’s Chibuku Super Cup winners Ngezi Platinum Stars as they prepare for a date against Bulawayo City in the quarter-finals of the tournament at Barbourfields tomorrow. The Harare side are looking to write themselves a fairytale story similar to what Ngezi Platinum Stars did in their debut season when they went all the way to win the title.
Yadah, who have been enjoying good form in recent weeks, progressed to the quarter-finals after they were awarded the abandoned match against Chicken Inn on 3-0 scoreline. Interim coach Thomas Ruzive leads the team but club owner Prophet Walter Magaya, who says he is the technical adviser, makes it clear he is the one in charge of technical matters.
“I think we have been playing well of late but let me also rush to say that form does not guarantee success in knockout tournaments,” said Ruzive.
“We have to be practical. Bulawayo City have been in the league before us and they have better experience. They have seen it all but we are not looking down on ourselves.
“We believe everything is possible if you put your heart and work hard towards what you want to achieve. Ngezi Platinum Stars did it. We are injury-free and we have no pressure at all.” Although they are new to the league, the side boast of some experienced players such as Rodreck Mutuma, Milton Makopa, Denis Dauda, the inspirational Jimmy Dzingai and Wellington Kamudyariwa. Bulawayo City coach Mandla Mpofu has been dealt a blow following the injury to midfielder Innocent Kutsanzira. The side willwelcome back veteran forward Mkhululi Moyo. They shocked giants Dynamos 2-1 in a first round tie at Rufaro to progress to the last eight.
“It’s a case of two underdogs coming up against one another. Remember we knocked out giants Dynamos and they also knocked one of the best teams at the moment, Chicken Inn. So we wouldn’t want to undermine them. As a team we really need to up our game if we want to go far. We also have the home advantage to our favour,” said Mpofu. Harare City and Black Rhinos battle at Rufaro in the other quarter-final this afternoon. Sunshine Boys coach Philani Ncube said veteran goalkeeper Maxwell Nyamupangedengu will miss the tie because of a thigh injury. Jerry Chipangura is also still out.
“It’s not going to be an easy game. There are usually no favourites nor underdogs in Cup competitions. We have seen it before in this tournament. It will be good for us to progress. Remember our team has been fighting relegation this year and we need therapy, which we hope to get by doing well in the Chibuku Super Cup,” said Ncube. Rhinos coach Stanford “Stix” M’tizwa said despite missing the experience of Wonder Kapinda through injury, the army side remained positive.
“This is a derby and these are tricky affairs. But we have to focus on winning I think we need a lift at the moment. We started the season well but the level that we were is not the same as now. Right now we want to ensure that we survive relegation first and everything else will be bonus. But I sincerely believe that if we do well in this tournament we will be able to get the confidence that we want for the remainder of the season,” said Mtizwa. CAPS United have a tough away fixture against Shabanie Mine at Maglas tomorrow while Chapungu host How Mine at Ascot this afternoon.
Fixtures
Today
Chapungu v How Mine (Ascot), Black Rhinos v Harare City (Rufaro)
Tomorrow
Shabanie Mine v CAPS United (Maglas), Bulawayo City v Yadah (Barbourfields)
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