Super Sunday. . . as Bosso takes on How Mine, DeMbare vs Caps

highlanders2Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
A POTENTIALLY explosive Zimbabwe National Army Charity Shield final between traditional giants Highlanders and Dynamos is on the cards after the two titans were separated in the semi-finals set for this weekend in Bulawayo and Harare.

Highlanders play against a veterans studded How Mine whose players have a combined 157 years of top flight football. Fresh from the Bob91 final showdown, the two Harare sides, Dynamos and Caps United will square off again at Rufaro Stadium with winners of the two matches set to clash in the final. The final has been set for the capital after it was played in Bulawayo in 2013 when Highlanders beat Black Rhinos and last year it was played in Zvishavane pitting FC Platinum and Caps United.

Highlanders have so far failed to register a win against Chapungu, FC Platinum, newly promoted Zifa Southern Region Division One side Bulawayo City Football Club and Caps United.They have just won two games against lower division football clubs in Victoria Falls

Head coach Bongani Mafu and his assistant Mandla Mpofu have been presented with yet another opportunity to boost fans’ morale ahead of the start of the Castle Lager Premiership season on March 21.

Head of the Army Charities, Fabian Chitungo said permission for the two matches had been granted by the Premier Soccer League whose chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele has since confirmed giving them the greenlight.

“It’s all systems go in terms of preparations and the four teams have been advised,” said Chitungo.

He expressed gratitude to the four teams for agreeing to partner the army in raising funds for its charities and schools.

“While the matches may be viewed as cup games, it’s really not about the prizes which these teams will get at the end of the day and as the army we’ve put a token of appreciation of $25,000 in the final,” said Chitungo.

Gate charges, for the two matches, according to Chitungo have been pegged at a minimum of $3 for the rest of the ground, $5 for the wings and $10 for the VIP.

Holders of the ZNA Charities Shield FC Platinum will not be able to defend their title due to continental engagements. The platinum miners pummelled Caps United 6-0 in the final last year, having booted Bosso 3-2 in the semi-final at Barbourfields Stadium. Tension was high during the final which saw three Caps United players, David Chipala, George Nyirenda and Hardlife Zvirekwi being red carded by referee Rugare Kusosa.

The ZNA has five charities which include the Tsanga Lodge Convalescent Centre in Nyanga for the rehabilitation of injured members of the uniformed forces. There is also the ZNA Benevolence Fund for the welfare of the troops on internal, external and international operations. It also runs a schools welfare trust for its five secondary and 12 primary schools. The other ZNA Charity is the Widows and Orphans which takes care of the widows and widowers of the soldiers before they receive their benefits.

The army, besides the football tournament, also organises a golf tournament as part of its fundraising activities.

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