BancABC Sup8r knockout football tournament semi-finalists have expressed optimism they will reach the finals of the competition, setting the stage for an exciting last four matches.
In the draw conducted on Wednesday at Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds, club representatives said the draw was fair.
Defending champions Dynamos were paired with reigning league champions Motor Action while Highlanders will face Shabanie Mine.
Dynamos committee member Webster Chikengezha told NewsDay Sport they would fight all the way to the finals to ensure they retain the trophy.
“It was a fair draw. Motor Action is a tough team. We have beaten them before and we can do it again. We just have to work very hard and I hope the boys will be motivated to retain the trophy,” he said.
Motor Action owner Eric Rosen said his team was ready to face Dynamos in the semi-final clash. “We knew that we would play any of the three teams and we are happy with the draw as it was done fairly. We look forward to playing Dynamos,” he said.
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Highlanders secretary Andrew Tapela said they were eager to get to the finals and said it was now up to the boys to deliver positive results.
“The draw was fair and any team in the last four is good enough for us.
“There is no room for complacency now. The boys have tasted victory as they won the Independence Cup silverware. It is now up to the players to win and please their legion of fans,” he said.
Shabanie Mine vice-chairman Fidelis Chimeza said they fancied chances of knocking out Highlanders as they were looking forward to proceeding to the finals.
“We are going to the finals. We want to beat Highlanders. Even if we meet them at Barbourfields Stadium, we will beat them there,” he said.
Premier Soccer League chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele yesterday told NewsDay Sport the semi-finals would be played on July 30 and August 6 at yet-to-be confirmed venues.
The format of the competition saw the games being spread to various venues around the country in the quarter-final stage.
Highlanders dismissed Caps United 1-0 at Baghdad Stadium courtesy of a Gilbert Banda goal while Lennon Chisunga scored the solitary goal for Shabanie Mine which sent Gunners out of the competition.
Defending champions Dynamos beat Hwange 2-1 at Gibbo Stadium in Triangle on July 9.
Tawanda Muparati and Rodrick Mutuma scored for Dynamos while Gilbert Zulu scored the consolation. Masimba Mambare and Themba Ndlovu scored past Monomotapa on July 10 for Motor Action in another quarter-final.
Makai Kawashu scored a penalty for Monomotapa. Dynamos lifted the BancABC Sup8r Cup beating rivals Caps United 3-2 in December last year and will fancy retaining it.