Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MANICALAND’S representatives in the Castle Lager Premiership, Manica Diamonds and GreenFuel FC are in the Chibuku Super Cup tournament — the only knockout Cup competition for the domestic top-flight league — for different reasons.
This year’s edition will have US$350 000 at stake that will be shared among the participating teams.
The first round of the Chibuku Super Cup, which will see the eventual winners pocketing US$75 000, while runners-up will walk away with US$50 000, rolls into life at different match venues across the country this weekend.
The rest will be shared by the remaining 16 teams, depending on their finishing positions.
The winners will, not only receive a windfall, but will also qualify for the 2025/26 Confederation Cup.
For Manica Diamonds, the aim is to reach the finals of the competition, while that of GreenFuel is going past the first hurdle, and map the way forward.
Manica Diamonds face Chegutu Pirates at Sakubva Stadium on Sunday in the first round of the competition, while GreenFuels FC travel to Bulawayo for a tricky date against Highlanders FC at Barbourfields Stadium.
The not-so-shiny Gem Boys, who have gone for eight Castle Lager Premiership matches without scoring a goal, will be hoping for a change of fortunes for the better.
Their coach, Jairos Tapera, reckons that things have not been well for his team in recent league matches.
“I think our performance in the league has been worrisome after failing to get a goal in the past eight matches. By nature, cup competitions, just like the Chibuku Super Cup, are a smash-and-grab act. The competition is open for everyone, and it is exciting to win for any team, us included. We are going into the match against Chegutu Pirates with the aim to win, and my players are raring to go. The mood is good in the camp,” said Tapera.
The former Warriors caretaker coach, said his club is aiming at nothing less than reaching the finals of the competition.
“We are very optimistic that we can go all the way to the finals of the Chibuku Super Cup competition. In fact, our aim is to reach the finals.
“It is not going to be an easy feat, given that every team is aiming to progress, but we believe we have come of age and mature to stand the heat in the kitchen,” said Tapera.
For GreenFuel coach, Saul Chamikuna, Highlanders is already out of the competition.
“From the way I see it, Highlanders are already out of the Chibuku Super Cup competition. This is what we can declare openly because we are determined to defeat them in their own backyard, no matter what comes our way. We will obviously assess the competition matrix after the match against Highlanders, and draw our plan well. That is when we can clearly mark our parameters in terms of how far we can go in the competition,” said Chaminuka.
The shrewd tactician, said the few injuries in their camp will not deter them against Highlanders.
“We have a few injuries, but we are working on the team, not individuals. It is an opportunity for those who will be selected into the team to justify their inclusion,” he said.
GreenFuel FC will be without key midfielders, Bruno Mtigo and Learnmore Myambo due to injury.
The 2024 Chibuku Super Cup promises to be a thrilling showcase of football talent as soccer has once again regained its ground and reclaimed its place on the landscape.
The competition will progress through to the quarter-finals on September 21 and 22, followed by the semi-finals on October 26 and 27. The finals are set for November 30.
The two winners from the preliminary round fixtures will join 14 top placed sides in the first round of the tournament this weekend.
The 16 teams will be paired and play one-legged fixtures, with the winners progressing to the next stage.
