By Brenna Matendere
How Mine skipper Gilbert Banda recently declared that his side would have their best season in 2014.
The former Highlanders and Zimbabwe national team defender vowed to help Chikurupati emerge the most decorated outfit on the land come November.
Inspired by his team’s ouster of rivals Highlanders in the Super 8 knockout tournament sponsored by Net One over the weekend, the former Bosso skipper said the victory would pave the way for his side to go all the way and win the cup.
He further declared the Bulawayo side would sweep away all the teams they face in the forthcoming cup tournaments.
“We are now confident that we have the stamina to win the Net One Cup. Other knockout tournaments that will follow will also come to our cabinet,” declared Banda.
The PSL has revealed that there will be a number of knockout tournaments this season, besides the Mbada Diamonds Cup. Beverages conglomerate Delta, which also sponsors the league, will this year introduce the Super Chibuku Cup.
Indications are that the ZIFA Cup could be re-introduced this season, as the supreme football mother-body seeks to cleanse its name, currently marred by reports of incompetence, corruption and self-aggrandizement.
“We know that since coming into the domestic football scene last year, we have not really made an impact, despite having finished last season in a good position on the log. We are not talking of the league championship yet, but as for the cups, every player and the technical team is confident of success,” added Banda.
How Mine, dubbed the “Old People’s Home” for their signing of a contingent of players off-loaded by other clubs due to advanced age, are well-sponsored and boast immense experience.
Players such as Menard Mupera, Banda, goalkeeper Ephraim Mazurara, centre back George Magariro, Morris Kadzola and second top goal scorer in the PSL Kuda Musharu have seen it all and are in the twilight of their careers.
The side participated in the orange Caf Confederation Cup where it faced continental powerhouses like Nigeria and Zanzibar. Though Chikurupati did not progress to the finals of the competition, they left a mark that show they have the pedigree to conquer in the domestic league. The Zimbabwean
