adminfinals of the lucrative Mbada Diamonds Cup but they have to perform a giant-killing act on Motor Action in a semi-final tie at Sakubva on Sunday.
Saints, who currently face the reality of being relegated this season, have done well in the tournament to reach the last four at the expense of Highlanders and fellow relegation candidates Kiglon.
Chauya Chikwata coach Ephraim Chawanda yesterday appeared in high spirits and said they were looking forward to the big match.
“This is a very crucial game for us. We want to fight hard to go through to the final of the tournament and then see what happens next,” he said.
“Of course, we know Motor Action are a good side and they are very comfortable playing at Sakubva because it is sort of their second home. “They have the advantage of a good following there but Cup games are usually won by the team that wants it more on the day.
“Everything is fine in our camp except for a few injuries.
“We are looking forward to the game and I promise the people of Mutare exciting football,” said Chawanda.
Saints have not scored a goal in regulation time in the tournament but they managed to beat Highlanders 6-5 in a penalty shootout and then elbowed out Kiglon in a similar fashion, winning 9-8 after another goalless draw.
Although Chawanda and his charges could still be devoting much of their time in drilling their defence and practicing penalty-kicks this week in anticipation of another shootout, the former Saints and Warriors’ defender said they were hoping for better fortunes inside regulation time.
Their surprise progress from the first round, where they eliminated Highlanders, seem to have given them confidence to take on the challenges in their way.
Defender Dumisani Ndlovu and striker Evans Rusike are nursing injuries and are being monitored by the medical team ahead of the game.
Saints are currently anchoring the 16-team table with a real possibility of being relegated at the end of the season while Motor Action, who recently slipped into third position on the log standings, appear to have given up the fight in defence of the league title.
Motor Action, however, have won the BancABC Sup8r Cup earlier in the season and they still have hopes for a possible double by taking the Mbada Diamonds Cup.
The Mighty Bulls beat Monomotapa 2-1 in the first round at Sakubva and then edged Blue Ribbon 1-0 courtesy of midfielder Isaac Masame’s goal at Torwood two weeks ago.
“As I have said they are a good side. We are the underdogs and we have no pressure. It will be good to win, though, and going to the final will help boost our confidence in our last three league games of the season,” said Chawanda.
Fixtures
Sunday: FC Platinum v Dynamos (Barbourfields), Motor Action v Zimbabwe Saints (Sakubva)
Online Reporter