Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Innocent Kurira ,innocent.kurira@chronicle.co.zw
THE 2024 Chibuku Super Cup final, pitting Dynamos against Ngezi Platinum Stars, promises to be an electrifying encounter as the two teams battle it out for the coveted trophy at Rufaro Stadium in Harare this afternoon. The match will bring the curtain down on the 2024 football calendar.
With the Castle Lager Premiership title already secured by Simba Bhora, the Chibuku Super Cup final represents the last chance for both teams to claim silverware this season. The stage is set for an intense and thrilling encounter between two of Zimbabwe’s top football teams. Fans can expect a closely contested match, with both teams giving it their all to claim the coveted Chibuku Super Cup trophy.
Dynamos, with their rich history and experience, will be looking to assert their dominance and make it two Chibuku Super Cup titles in a row. Their fans, known for their passion and dedication, will be out in full force to cheer on their team and create an intimidating atmosphere for their opponents. On the other hand, Ngezi Platinum Stars will be determined to spoil the party and claim the trophy for themselves. Ngezi Platinum will be eager to see their team lift the trophy and bring glory to the platinum miners.
The match promises to be an entertaining and action-packed encounter, with both teams boasting talented players who can make a difference on the pitch. With silverware on the line, fans can expect both teams to give it their all and leave everything on the pitch. The atmosphere at Rufaro Stadium is expected to be electric, with the crowd playing a crucial role in cheering on their team and creating a hostile environment for their opponents.
Defending champions Dynamos will be seeking to become the first team to win the Chibuku Super Cup twice in a row. The Glamour Boys edged Ngezi Platinum Stars 2-0 in last year’s final and will be looking to repeat that feat.
Ngezi Platinum coach Takesure Chiragwi is determined to lead his team to victory.
“We could not defend the league title. The Chibuku Super Cup is our chance at redemption. We have to finish the season on a high note. We want to be a force in Africa and to do that we have to consistently perform at that stage. So, it’s important for us to get back to Africa by winning this competition,” said Chiragwi.
Dynamos coach Lloyd Chigowe echoed Chiragwi’s sentiments on participating in Africa, emphasising the importance of winning the trophy.
“It’s a very big game for my team. We will give everything we have got to win this game. A victory is our entry point back into Africa.”
Kick-off is at 2:30 pm CAT. Tickets have been pegged at $3 for the Rest of the Ground, $5 for the Grand Stand, and $10 for the lower VIP. The VVIP section is strictly by invitation. As a way to lure more fans to the stadium, musician Alick Macheso will be performing before the game.
The road to the final was paved with drama and tension, as both teams navigated thrilling semi-final encounters. Ngezi Platinum Stars edged Simba Bhora 5-4 in a penalty shootout, after the two teams had battled to a 2-2 stalemate. Talent Chamboko’s 37th-minute strike gave Ngezi the lead, but Simba Bhora fought back, with Tymon Machope scoring twice in the space of six minutes to put his team ahead. However, Ngezi refused to give up, and Farai Madanhanga’s equaliser two minutes later sent the match to penalties. In the shootout, Ngezi’s players held their nerve, with Kudzai Chigwida, Nigel Makumbe, Takunda Benhura, Never Tigere, and Madanhanga all converting their kicks to seal a 5-4 victory.
Dynamos secured their spot in the final with a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Manica Diamonds, after the two teams had played out a 1-1 draw at Rufaro Stadium. Dynamos’ captain Frank Makarati led by example, scoring his team’s first penalty, and was followed by successful conversions from Eli Ilunga, Arthur Musiyiwa, and Valentine Kadonzvo. Manica Diamonds’ Forster Dhemere was denied by Dynamos goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, while Takunda Jeffrey’s effort sailed wide, allowing Dynamos to claim a 4-2 victory in the shootout.
