Four matches will be played this Saturday, September 24, while the other four games will be played the following day. The tournament, whose winner will pocket US$75 000 will see matches being played across the country in a move aimed at taking the sport to the people.
Winner of the tourney will represent Zimbabwe in the 2012 CAF Confederations Cup, but in the event that Highlanders win the trophy, they will not take part as they are serving a three-year ban imposed on them this year by the Confederation of Africa Football after failing to take part at this year’s edition.
Mbada Diamonds Cup has also afforded Triangle fans another chance to watch Premiership football as Gibbo plays host to the clash between FC Platinum and Black Mambas. The venue played host to the BancABC first round clash between Dynamos and Hwange.
The age old rivalry between Zimbabwe Saints and Highlanders will be taken to the Colliery in Hwange while Monomotapa and Motor Action make a return to Sakubva, a stadium both teams tried to use as home ground with little success.
Masvingo’s Mucheke has not been left in the cold as it hosts Chicken Inn and Kiglon while the forgotten Ascot Stadium in Gweru is the venue for the Blue Ribbon/Shabanie clash.
CAPS United chief executive officer Maxwell Mironga said being drawn against rivals Dynamos was good because they have to beat the best if they are to win the tournament.
“We are happy to have been drawn against Dynamos as we have a score to settle with them. Cup games are always difficult, but I am confident that we will beat them,” he said.
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Dynamos’ secretary general Nyika Chifamba said there was nothing special about CAPS United. “We are definitely going to win the match,” he said.
Masvingo United secretary Tinashe Gomba also described the draw which saw his team being paired with Moses Chunga’s Gunners as a fair one. “The draw was fair on our part. Playing in Kariba will provide locals with a good opportunity to watch premiership football,” he said.
However, former Zimbabwe Saints player Max Tshuma will have hoped for another pairing that is not Highlanders. “There is no chance for us in this game. We are trying to revive this team, but the team is falling down. Highlanders will definitely win the tie. I also do not see us surviving relegation,” he said.
