THE country’s top guns avoided potential upsets to cruise into the quarter-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup tournament over the weekend.
Traditionally, the country’s so-called big teams have struggled to navigate their way past the initial round of the competition.
It was not the case in this year’s edition of the only domestic knockout tournament, as all but one seeded teams advanced into the last eight.
The only giant killing act happened on Saturday, with basement side Black Rhinos beating Manica Diamonds away at Gibbo Stadium after a penalty shootout.
The game had ended 1-1, with Lot Chiwunga scoring for the army side, while Ralph Kawondera netted for Manica Diamonds in regulation time.
Rhinos prevailed 6-5 on penalties, just three days after they had also dumped Sheasham the same way at the competition’s preliminary stage.
Premier Soccer League log leaders Highlanders also needed a penalty shootout success to see off defending champions Bulawayo Chiefs at Barbourfields Stadium on Saturday.
Bosso survived the early scare, coming from behind to draw 2-2 against the defending champions, who finished the match with 10 men following a red card on Joe Sibanda on the hour mark.
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The Baltemar Brito-coached side, which is five points clear at the top of the log standings, is gunning for a treble this campaign after bagging the Independence Cup.
Dynamos put behind the dismissal of coach Herbert Maruwa by beating Tonderai Ndiraya’s Simba Bhora on Saturday.
A solitary Emmanuel Paga goal ensured a winning start for caretaker coach Genesis Mangombe at the helm of the Harare giants.
Fellow Harare giants Caps United also needed a single goal from Clive Rupiya to subdue Hwange at Bata Stadium on Sunday.
Walter Musona scored a hattrick as former champions FC Platinum recovered from their league wobbles to hammer Yadah 4-0 and avenge their league defeat to the same side a few weeks ago.
Juan Mutudza scored the fourth goal in the big win, the biggest at this stage this year.
Their platinum cousins, Ngezi Platinum Stars defeated Triangle 2-1, with Malvin Gaki and Takunda Benhura getting the goals for the Mhondoro-based side.
Chicken Inn sailed through to the next round on a silver platter following an own goal by Green Fuel’s goalkeeper David Bizabani.
Last year’s losing finalists Herentals defeated ZPC Kariba by the same scoreline, thanks to Blessing Majarira’s 55th minute goal at Mandava Stadium on Sunday.
It is Black Rhinos, though, who have exceeded expectations and there is no doubt teams will want to avoid the army side in the next stage.
Their coach, Saul Chaminuka, is convinced his team has what it takes to go all the way and win the cup.
“When you are playing a knockout competition like this, the target is always to go all the way and win the silverware,” the veteran coach told NewsDay Sport.
“That is where our eyes are. We will put all the effort to win this cup. Of course, we will fight in the Premier Soccer League, but at the same time the Chibuku Super Cup, which I think we have started well, is there for the taking. I know the boys are capable, so we should be able to go all the way.”
Organisers of the competition will be expected to conduct the draw for the quarterfinals soon, with the games set to be played on the weekend of September 22-23.
