Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
FORMER Premier Soccer League stars Oscar Machapa, Tafadzwa Rusike and Evans Gwekwerere are on course for a showdown with top-flight opposition after Norton Big Boys secured qualification for the second round of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
Norton Big Boys booked their place in the next stage with a 2-1 victory over Crocodile in the Mashonaland West Division Two final at Mkushi Sports Club on Wednesday.
The club was established to rehabilitate former footballers affected by drug and substance abuse while empowering them to become role models who educate young people on the dangers of addiction.
Their latest triumph has earned them an opportunity to compete against some of the country’s top teams in Zimbabwe’s premier knockout competition.
The squad boasts several well-known names in local football, including former Dynamos, CAPS United and Highlanders striker Rodrick Mutuma, former Dynamos and Legia Warsaw forward Takesure Chinyama, former CAPS United and Dynamos midfielder Tafadzwa Rusike, and former Warriors defender Hardlife Zvirekwi.
The draw for the second phase of the competition will be conducted on June 24, with all 16 Premier Soccer League clubs joining successful lower-division teams in the hat.
The Munhumutapa Challenge Cup carries a prize fund of US$5 million, with the eventual winners securing qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup.
