Zimpapers Logo

Sports Reporter/Harare Bureau
THE Chibuku Super Cup roars into life this afternoon with last year’s losing finalists Harare City playing host to Buffaloes at Rufaro Stadium, Harare.

Winners of the tournament which made a return to domestic football last year after several years, will earn the ticket to represent Zimbabwe at next year’s Caf Confederations Cup club tournament.

FC Platinum won last year’s edition after a penalty shoot out, in a match Harare City felt they were robbed at Mandava Stadium after the former equalised four minutes into injury time, forcing the game to proceed to the lottery following a 1-1 draw at regulation time.

Harare City who take on Buffaloes this afternoon were under the guidance of Masimba Dinyero who has since been redeployed to development.

The Sunshine Boys’ assistant coach Mkhuphali Masuku is confident of sailing through to the next round despite having suffered a 1-2 league defeat to Buffaloes.

“Cup games are a different ball game. We lost in the league and that’s history. What we just need to do is try our best and progress to the next round,” said Masuku.

“As new technical staff we would like to reach the finals and hopefully win. Every Premiership team is competitive and there is no easy team for us so it would be a tough match. We’ve prepared very well for this Cup game and the only injury we have is David Kutyauripo who got a knock during training on Wednesday. He is going to be out for weeks.”

Masuku said they have been working on converting chances that they create.

Despite being inactive during the just closed transfer window, Harare City are satisfied with the calibre of players.

Veteran defender Crispen Dickson who was one of the players who featured in the Cup final last year is geared up for the tournament and has set sights on reaching the final.

“It hurts a lot losing in the final and now we want to push ourselves harder so that we do better this year. We still have good players who can carry the day for us, it’s all about team work,” he said.

Buffaloes who were knocked out in the first round are hoping for change of fortunes by winning against Harare City.

“We’re looking forward to progressing to the next round. Even Harare City knows what we’re capable of. We’re not under pressure meeting them again this time in a cup game,” said Gladman Chimonyo, Buffaloes’ spokesperson.

Fixtures

Today: Harare City v Buffaloes (Rufaro)

Tomorrow: Chicken Inn v Hwange (Luveve), FC Platinum v Dongo Sawmill (Mandava), Chapungu v Flame Lily (Ascot), Dynamos v Whawha (Rufaro)

Sunday: Triangle v Tsholotsho (Gibbo), How Mine v Highlanders (Barbourfields)Caps United v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro)