FORMER Warriors midfielder Johannes Ngodzo and ex-Highlanders coach Try Ncube's coaching credentials come to test when Gwanda Pirates host Harare City in the Zifa Munhumutapa Challenge Cup preliminary round at Pelandaba Stadium on Saturday.
Ngodzo presides over Zifa Central Region Soccer League side Gwanda Pirates while Ncube is in charge at Zifa Northern Region Division One outfit Harare City and the two sides clash in one of the standout fixtures of the opening round as clubs from across the country's lower divisions begin their quest for a place in the inaugural national knockout competition.
Another mouth-watering tie will see former Castle Lager Premier Soccer League sides Hwange and Green Fuel clash at Hwange Stadium on Sunday, with the winners moving a step closer to the main draw before Premier Soccer League clubs enter the competition.
The Munhumutapa Challenge Cup marks the return of Zimbabwe's premier knockout tournament, bringing together clubs from the PSL, Division One, provincial leagues and area zones in a single-elimination format.
In another intriguing Sunday fixture, Zifa Bulawayo Province Division Two side Mawabeni host Southern Region Soccer League outfit Aqua Stars at Luveve Stadium, while Gwayi Valley Cranes entertain Marere at Chakona Stadium in Hwange.
Elsewhere, Buffaloes welcome Blanket Mine at Mutare Showground, Nottingham Estates face Norton Big Boys at Dulivhadzimu Stadium in Beitbridge, Rusape City host FC Oden at Vhengere Stadium and Scotland Juniors take on Rosa Pirates at Heart Stadium.
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Saturday's programme also features Chapungu United against MWOS Under-19 at Ascot Stadium in Gweru.
Other matches will see Cheetas host Chatidhege FC at Chakona Stadium, Lowveld Football Development face Black Rock at Mucheke Stadium, Kwekwe United clash with Deportivo La Murambinda at Baghdad Stadium, and Jordan FC entertain Destiny Stars at White City Stadium.
Bluestones FC will host Chilli FC at Gwanzura Stadium.
Zifa said the competition forms part of its broader vision to strengthen football development by creating meaningful competitive opportunities for clubs from every corner of the country.
"The Munhumutapa Challenge Cup forms part of ZIFA's broader vision to strengthen football development by creating meaningful competitive opportunities for clubs from every corner of the country. The competition provides a national platform for players to showcase their talent, inspires communities to rally behind their local clubs, and strengthens the pathway from grassroots football to the highest levels of the game," Zifa said.
The association urged supporters to attend the matches in large numbers.
"Supporters are encouraged to attend matches across the country and play their part in creating the atmosphere that makes cup football so special. The road to Munhumutapa Challenge Cup glory continues this weekend, and for the 28 clubs in action, the dream of writing their own chapter in Zimbabwean football history remains firmly alive."
The preliminary round winners will advance to the next stage of the competition as they continue their bid for Munhumutapa Challenge Cup glory.
Fixtures
Saturday: Cheetas vs Chatidhege (Chakona), Chapungu United vs MWOS Under-19 (Ascot), Lowveld Football Development vs Black Rock (Mucheke), Kwekwe United vs Deportivo La Murambinda (Baghdad), Jordan FC vs Destiny Stars (White City), Bluestones vs Chilli (Gwanzura), Gwanda Pirates vs Harare City (Pelandaba).
Sunday: Nottingham Estates vs Norton Big Boys (Dulivhadzimu), Rusape City vs FC Oden (Vhengere), Scotland Juniors vs Rosa Pirates (Heart), Buffaloes vs Blanket Mine (Mutare Showground), Mawabeni vs Aqua Stars (Luveve), Gwayi Valley Cranes vs Marere (Chakona), Hwange vs Green Fuel (Hwange)