All set for Yadah Cup
Sp4

THE GAFFER . . . Mushowani Stars coach Paul “Popopo” Chimalizeni (centre), shares a lighter moment with ZRP Morris coach John “Toto” Ncube (right) during the World Navi Northern Region Soccer Stars of the Year function in Harare last night

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
MUSHOWANI Stars and Ngezi Platinum will plunge into another battle this afternoon when they fight for honours in the Yadah TV Knock-out tournament final at Gwanzura, bringing the curtain down on a landmark ZIFA Northern Region Division One programme.The eight-team tournament kicked off in September and the two teams made it to the final after Mushowani beat Gunners 3-1 in the semi-finals, while Ngezi dismissed ZRP Football 1-0 in a double-header at the same venue early this month.

Both teams have been playing good football this season, despite losing the championship race to Flame Lily.

They have met twice before, in the World Navi Northern Region Division One soccer league, with Ngezi winning both games.

However, Mushowani coach Paul “Popo” Chimalizeni said they would be out to make up for the defeats suffered in the league.

“I think we need to win the game so that we end the season on a high note since we did not win the championship.  It will be a good achievement for the club since it is the first Cup in the Northern Region.

“Ngezi have beaten us twice in the league games, so this is a revenge game and we need to win.  Of course, with such games, mistakes are made but we will make sure that we won’t make any,” said Chimalizeni.

Chimalizeni believes they are well prepared for the big game and they will give it their best with a full squad up for selection.

Mushowani were among the strong contenders in this year’s championship race but the competition proved to be tough for them and they finished third in the marathon.

Ngezi Platinum, who were promoted into Division One this year, are bubbling with confidence having concluded the league in fifth position.
Ngezi coach Clifton “Somalia” Kadurira said they were ready for the game and were not taking any chances as they seek to win their first silverware in Division One.

“Everyone is raring to go and morale is high and so we are expecting a good game. But we know it’s going to be tough, we have met twice in the league and this is the third time.

“We know each other now, so the better team of the day will win.  We know the strength and weaknesses of Mushowani, so we have to work around that and utilise our chances.

“If we play our best football we will win. It’s a different game and in Cup games you can be the better side and lose while, on the other hand, the other team can play badly but end up the winners, so it’s 50-50,” Kadurira said.The tournament is being sponsored to the tune of $30 0000 and the winners in today’s final will walk away $8 000 richer.

Meanwhile, the draw for the raffle tickets run by the World Navi Northern Region Division One league will also be conducted today during half-time of the game. Two lucky fans will walk away with a car each.

Yadah Cup Final

Today: Mushowani v Ngezi Platinum (3pm, Gwanzura).

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