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level of organisational excellence unprecedented in a domestic knockout football tournament.

Now, we can only sit and wait, hoping that its climax, the grand finale between Dynamos and Motor Action, will bring a fitting end to a tournament whose sights and sounds will remain embedded in the minds of thousands of Zimbabwean football fans.

Tomorrow, it all comes to an end, in the cathedral of the National Sports Stadium, and the drama that will unfold there will be followed by millions of viewers across Africa with the match being broadcast live on SuperSport 9.
It’s a showcase event for the domestic Premiership and the big crowd expected at the giant stadium will be praying that the quality of the game will match all the hype that has surrounded the countdown to the big day.

No final of a Zimbabwean knockout tournament has ever been hyped as much as the Mbada Diamonds Cup and the sponsors, who promised to deliver a tourney so good fans will barely wait for the next edition, have delivered on their promise.
The challenge is now on the two teams to deliver a package that will thrill the fans.

Veterans Murape Murape and Isaac Masame have promised a bruising battle to the bitter end tomorrow.
Murape yesterday promised the Dynamos fans an early Christmas present.
Dynamos are hoping to end the season in style by winning the lucrative tournament that carries with it a US$75 000 cash prize and a US$150 000 bonus to play in the Caf Confederation Cup.

Reports yesterday indicated that DeMbare will get a cash bonus, from their main sponsors BancABC, for winning the Premiership title, to help the Glamour Boys in meeting their expenses in the Champions League next season.
The reports said the bonus will range from US$300 000 to US$500 000.

Murape said DeMbare owe much of their success to their fans and they were looking forward to one last dance with their supporters tomorrow.
Organisers are looking at getting between 40 000 and 60 000 fans at the giant stadium for the showcase.
“Our fans have been behind us through and through. Their support has been fantastic and I think we could not have achieved what we have without them,” said Murape.
“So they deserve to celebrate the league double with us, come Sunday evening.”

Motor Action and Dynamos have clashed four times this year with each team winning twice.
“Of course, we are the new league champions and everyone is in high spirits but we should not forget that this is a new challenge,” said Murape.
“Cup games usually are tricky assignments where one mistake could cost you the game no matter how good you play on the day.

“We respect our opponents, Motor Action, because it shows they played very well to deserve a place in the finals. So we have to be at our best and play as a team as we have been doing, with our fans rallying behind us.”
Coach Calisto Pasuwa said he had all his players are available for the match but expressed doubt over defender George Magariro who is nursing a knee injury.

But Guthrie Zhokinyi and Gift Bello have been doing a splendid job at the heart of defence and Pasuwa is likely to keep the back four intact with David Kutyauripo on the right and Thomas Magorimbo on the leftback.
Striker Roderick Mutuma has also shaken off an ankle injury and is set to continue with his partnership with Cuthbert Malajila as the spearhead of the attack.

The Mighty Bulls are also bubbling with confidence and are hoping to add the Mbada Diamonds Cup title to the BancABC Sup8r Cup they won this season.
Veteran Motor Action midfielder Masame said the Mighty Bulls were not intimidated by Dynamos’ form and were looking forward to beating the newly-crowned champions to the inaugural Mbada Diamonds Cup in the final tomorrow.

The Mighty Bulls have no injuries in their camp and with all players available, coach Joey Antipas said he was facing a “selection headache” ahead of the final.
Skipper Marlon Jani has been a rock between the posts and is expected to inspire his charges as the last line of defence, with cover coming from Godfrey Moyo, Passmore Bernard, Ocean Mushure and Themba Ndhlovu.

“This is the last game of the season and being a cup final, it’s an opportunity to add silverware to our cabinet.
“Of course we lost the league title but we have the BancABC Sup8r Cup and we are now looking forward to the Mbada Diamonds Cup,” said Masame.
The Motor Action linkman, however, said he does not expect an easy game especially in the midfield department where he will have to battle against the likes of Denver

Mukamba, Tawanda Muparati, Murape Murape and Archford Gutu.
“It’s always difficult to play your normal game, especially in a cup final like this one. There is always pressure on both teams to win but it is always the team that settles well that wins in most cases.

“The chances are equal and we have to try our best,” said Masame.
Coach Antipas said he was hoping to finish on a high by winning the Mbada Cup.

“This has been a magnificent tournament and I am sure every player who took part has felt it. It has been well organised and we hope Mbada Diamonds will continue to keep up the standards,” said Antipas.

PSL chief executive Kenny Ndebele said tickets were available at Betta Ball stores at Ximex Mall, CABS Centre, Joina City and OK Supermarkets.
The cheapest ticket costs US$2 for those who buy in advance while the same ticket will be US$3 at the gates.