Monomotapa looks to widen their chances of a return to Africa when they engage league debutants Hardbody in the first round of the Mbada Diamonds Cup at Dulibadzimu Stadium this afternoon.
Report by Michael Madyira “Monoz” are within the frame to finish fourth, or even third, in the Premiership race which would guarantee them participation in the inter-club competitions.
The former league champions took part in mini-league stages of the 2009 Champions League. And today, they focus on the country’s richest knockout competition against a struggling opposition.
After being restricted to a one-all draw by lowly-placed Blue Rangers in a midweek league encounter, Monoz again face a struggling side, but this time in a different competition. Monoz will heavily rely on the exploits of striker Tawanda Nyamandwe to provide them with goals.
Hardbody would be seeking to atone for their league poor run by landing the prestigious cup.
“The good thing is that we have no injuries in camp at all, so every player is available for selection,” said Tamirepi. “Monomotapa are a good side, therefore I predict a tough game for us. We have been struggling while they have been doing well. But that will not count much this time around.
“I do not want to subscribe to the fact that we are lightweights because this is a cup game and anything can happen. It is also a good chance for us to get things right. Lately, the boys have been working together as a unit, so I believe teamwork will carry the day for us.”
Hardbody go into the match smarting from a 2-1 league defeat against Caps United on Tuesday.
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This will be Hardbody’s maiden participation in a competitive knockout competition.
