Story by Aifheli Mudau
FORMER Premier Soccer League stars Evans Gwekwerere, Edward Sadomba and Oscar Machapa are set for a reunion with top-flight football after helping Norton Big Boys reach the Round of 32 of the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
The Division Two side defeated Nottingham FC 2-0 in Beitbridge on Sunday to progress to the next stage of the competition, where they will face Castle Lager Premier Soccer League opposition.
Norton Big Boys also feature former Premier Soccer League players Valentine Ndaba, Evans Gwekwerere, Edward Sadomba and Oscar Machapa, giving the club valuable experience as it prepares for the next round.
The Round of 32 will feature the 18 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clubs alongside the 14 teams that advanced from the preliminary rounds.
Forward Evans Gwekwerere said the team is ready to face any opponent.
“I really thank my team for working so hard to defeat Nottingham. From here, we are prepared to take on any team, big or small. We are ready for any match, and we will keep preparing very hard.”
Matabeleland South ZIFA Board Member for Competitions, Loadwell Ziyadumah, said the tournament provides an important platform for talent identification.
“We are very happy to see this Munhumutapa Cup being played here in Beitbridge. It is an advantage because we develop players, and when the Munhumutapa Cup comes, talented players can be identified by bigger clubs and get the chance to play top-flight football.”
ZIFA Central Region Board Member for Competitions, Ephart Shoko, said the competition gives clubs from every level of Zimbabwean football an opportunity to compete on the same stage.
“What is good about the Munhumutapa Cup is that it allows every club in Zimbabwe, from grassroots to the Premier League, to participate. The teams playing here at Dulivhadzimu Stadium are not in the Premier League, but they have been given a chance to participate.”
The teams that have progressed to the Round of 32 include Chatidhege, Gwanda Pirates, Kwekwe United, Chilli, Jordan, MWOS Under-19 and Blackrock.
The winners of the inaugural Munhumutapa Challenge Cup will represent Zimbabwe in the CAF Confederation Cup.
