After missing out on the Northern Region Soccer League’s sole ticket to the Premier Soccer League, Golden Eagles coach Gilbert Mushangazhike has backed his charges to come right when they take on Simba Bhora in the Axis Solutions Super 8 Cup final at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday.
Golden Eagles were among the favourites for the title and for the better part of the season before their hopes were extinguished in August after drawing to Simba Bhora and losing to Herentals Under-20.
Mushangazhike reckons the disappointment of missing out on the league will spur his charges as they aim to finish the season on a high by winning the coveted silverware.
“All our focus is now on the Axis Super 8 Cup after failing to win the league title. This is a stage where we should not be easily intimidated because this is a cup final and we have a chance to win it just like them, Simba Bhora,” Mushangazhike said.
“I have confidence in my players and I salute them for their efforts despite failing to win the league title. This should be our consolation and also, we need to win silverware for our fans who have been with us all season whether home or away. We also need to repay the faith of our sponsors who have stood behind us all,” he said.
The last time the two teams met, the match ended in a 1-1 stalemate in a high-profile encounter at Ellis Robbins School in the capital.
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Golden Eagles bank on the contributions of the key duo of captain Henry Manatsa and Trevor Bhunu who were outstanding throughout the season.
There will be individual prizes, with the Player of the Tournament getting US$500 with the Goalkeeper of the Tournament pocketing US$300. The Coach of the Tournament will receive US$400.
The Axis Super 8 Cup final is going to be spiced up by a musical show where Sulumani Chimbetu, Baba Harare, Ndunge Yut, Ras Caleb, Hwinza and DJs Fantan and Levels will be performing.
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