Kwekwe derby headlines Munhumutapa Challenge Cup
The Kwekwe derby between Central Region Soccer League rivals Kwekwe United and Hardrock FC is the standout fixture in the Munhumutapa Cup Round of 32 in the Midlands province.
The clash guarantees that at least one Midlands team will reach the last 16, with four provincial sides still in contention. Premiership strugglers TelOne face high-flying Division One side Blanket Mine at Ascot Stadium on Sunday, while Chili FC take on Aqua Stars at Luveve Stadium on Monday.
Hardrock enter the derby with a significant financial advantage, boasting a modern home ground, quality kits and the resources to attract top players, including former Highlanders forward Mongameli Tshuma.
Kwekwe United, meanwhile, have endured more difficult circumstances since their relegation from the Premiership and currently sit third in the Central Region Soccer League. The club is sponsored by Scott Sakupwanya and has also received assistance from Hardrock, including player loans.
The match will be played at Chahwanda Stadium after Kwekwe United’s traditional home, Baghdad Stadium, was deemed unsuitable for the fixture.
Despite the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs, the derby is expected to be fiercely contested, with local rivalry potentially closing the gap between the sides.
Elsewhere, TelOne coach Saul Chaminuka remains confident his struggling side can compete, attributing their poor Premiership results partly to bad luck and individual mistakes. *_-Herald_*
