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Premiership soccer kings Motor Action in a potentially explosive final clash at Barbourfields.
The tournament, which features eight top teams from the previous season, has exchanged hands three times since its inception in 2008 when it was first won by CAPS United.
However, more is at stake for Highlanders and Motor Action as sponsors have poured in US$500 000 this season with the winners set to pocket a tenth of that amount while the runners-up will get US$20 000.
In all fairness, this is a good incentive considering the harsh economic conditions in domestic football, but for Highlanders it is not much more about the money that is at stake against the Mighty Bulls.
Bosso have suffered back-to-back defeats at the hands of Joey Antipas’ men in the league campaign this season and there is a strong feeling in the Highlanders dressing room that today is a perfect opportunity to mete out some measure of revenge and score some “points” back.
Team captain Gilbert Banda this week told The Herald that they have taken enough and would be eager to turn the tables around.
Their coach Mkhuphali Masuku share the same views but yesterday said Bosso would be more cautious this time around and would need to raise their game a bit to stop the Mighty Bulls’ bullying.
“Cup finals are very exciting and usually you cannot tell which team would win until after the last whistle. Motor Action are a good and well-organised side.
“They play some exciting football. You cannot take that away from them, but we are equally prepared for the challenge,” said Masuku.
“There are 50-50 chances and I think this is a game that can go either way. We are just hoping that this will be our day to celebrate,” he added.
Masuku has a full squad at his disposal and he indicated yesterday that there were few players carrying knocks during the last 10 days when there was no Premiership action but have since recovered.
He said Bruce Tshuma, who limped off the pitch in their last league game against CAPS United at National Sports Stadium, is also up and running and will be available for the leftback position.
His presence means less headaches for the coach and a worthwhile option for Highlanders’ usually organised rearguard. Lawson Nkomo is also expected to take his place at the rightback position while Innocent Mapuranga will partner skipper Banda to stabilise the heart of defence.
“Our preparations went well and everyone is up for it. Of course there were knocks here and there but all the players are fit for selection,” Masuku said.
Bosso also hope midfielder Rahman Kutsanzira, who was named man-of-the-match in the semi-final win over Shabanie Mine, continue with his good form in the midfield tussles against the Mighty Bulls’ Masimba Mambare, Allen Gahadzikwa and Thembani Masuku.
Motor Action will miss three key players – Kuda Musharu, Tawanda Nyamandwe and Isaac Masame – through suspension.
Coach Antipas, however, revealed they have enough cover although admitting their absence could make a difference. Nonetheless, this could be a blessing in disguise for such players as Conrad Whitby and Enasio Perezo who have been itching for an opportunity of a first team jersey this season.
“The boys are in good spirits and everyone is looking forward to the cup tie. But it was going to be more interesting if we had all our players available.
“It’s unfortunate because we can’t underestimate these guys’ contributions for us to reach this stage.
“It does make a difference. But we still have a strong pool of players and I believe everyone will put in a 100 percent effort. We usually play as a unit and I hope that spirit will prevail,” said Antipas.
Motor Action, who are also the current log leaders, beat Dynamos 8-7 in a penalty shootout to make the final. They had beaten Monomotapa 2-1 at Sakubva in the quarter-finals and now they seek to lay foundation for a possible double this year by winning the BancABC Sup8r Cup and then keep their sights on the league championship.
The Mighty Bulls have enjoyed a good run against Highlanders this season after winning 2-0 at Barbourfields and 1-0 at Motor Action Sports Club to collect six points from them in the league campaign.
“This is a new game and to me it’s a 50-50 affair. We know that we are playing away and usually it’s very difficult to beat a team at their home ground, so we have done thorough preparations,” said Antipas.