THE road to Munhumutapa Challenge Cup glory enters another exciting phase on July 11-12, with Southern Region clubs enjoying home advantage in a preliminary round that promises several intriguing contests.
The draw, released by Zifa on Monday afternoon, has paired most Southern Region sides against challengers from across the country, with places in the next round at stake as the country’s richest knockout competition gathers momentum.
Former Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Hwange will be among the favourites when they host Green Fuel FC, while another ex-topflight outfit, Chapungu, will be home to talented MWOS Under-19 in a tricky assignment.
In another potential mouthwatering tie in Gwanda, Zifa Central Region side Gwanda Pirates welcome Harare City while, Mawabeni, from Matabeleland North and participates in Zifa Bulawayo Province Division Two league, will entertain Matabeleland North’s Aqua Stars.
Aqua Stars feature in the Zifa Southern Region Soccer League.
Gwayi Valley Cranes from Matabeleland North, will host Marere FC.
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The full list of fixtures sees Cheetahs FC hosting Chatidhege FC, Nottingham Estates welcoming Norton Big Boys, Rusape Pirates facing FC Oden, Bluestones clashing with Chilli FC, Scotland Juniors meeting Rosa Pirates, Gwayi Valley Cranes taking on Marere FC and Hwange completing the programme against Green Fuel.
No club from the region that has qualified for the preliminaries will play outside the Southern Region.
The home advantage could prove decisive for Southern Region clubs, many of whom have already built momentum in the regional qualifiers.
Familiar surroundings and home support may give them the edge as they seek to keep alive hopes of progressing in a tournament, which has the potential of transforming the country’s domestic football with good prizes and Zimbabwean domestic football and a CAF Confederation Cup place for the eventual champions.
With knockout football leaving no room for error, the opening weekend is expected to produce drama, surprises and memorable performances as clubs begin their quest for Munhumutapa Challenge Cup success.
Fixtures
Cheetahs vs Chatidhege, Chapungu vs MWOS U-19, Nottingham Estates vs Norton Big Boys, Masvingo Provincial Winner vs Black Rock, Kwekwe United vs Deportivo La Murambinda, Rusape Pirates vs FC Oden, Jordan FC vs Destiny Stars, Bluestones vs Chilli, Scottland Juniors vs Rosa Pirates, Buffaloes vs Blanket Mine, Mawabeni vs Aqua Stars, Gwanda Pirates vs Harare City, Gwayi Valley Cranes vs Marere, Hwange vs Green Fuel