Story by Anashe Murombedzi
THE stage is set for what should be an exciting weekend as the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals take centre stage on Saturday and Sunday.
Black Rhinos take on Ngezi Platinum Stars at Bata Stadium in Gweru in the first semi-final on Saturday, before giants CAPS United and Dynamos clash at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The Chibuku Super Cup has been an unpredictable tourney since its inauguration in 2014.
FC Platinum were the first to win the Chibuku Super Cup before Harare City carried on from where they left the next season.
In 2016, Ngezi Platinum got the chance to lay their hands on the silverware and the following season Harare City bounced back to claim it for the second time.
Triangle United was the fourth team to join Chibuku Super Cup winners in 2018, with Bulawayo giants Highlanders clinching the cup in 2019.
In 2020, there was a no contest owing to the COVID-19 pandemic which halted all sporting activities.
The tournament resumed the following year, with FC Platinum claiming a league and cup double, winning the Chibuku Super Cup for the second time.
This year’s battle has now reached the semi-final stage, with the first match pitting army side Black Rhinos and Ngezi Platinum Stars at Bata Stadium in Gweru on Saturday.
Army side Black Rhinos are gathering their armour hoping to outshine Madamburo who are on top of the Premier Soccer League.
Chauya Chipembere are struggling in the league seating second from bottom, but are hoping to win the cup for the first time.
On the other hand, high-riding Madamburo are hoping to repeat their 2016 heroics when they lifted the Chibuku Super Cup in debut season in the top flight.
The second semi-final will see the capital being painted blue and green this Sunday as Dynamos face-off with city rivals CAPS United at the National Sports stadium.
The Glamour Boys will go into the match with a psychological advantage having prevailed over the Green Machine twice in the League this season.
DeMbare are also in the hunt for a league and cup double.
