CHISUMBANJE-BASED side GreenFuel are fancying their chances of dumping 2019 champions Highlanders out of the Chibuku Super Cup when the two teams clash in the first round of the competition at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.
Coached by Saul Chaminuka, GreenFuel currently sit in 11th place on the log standings on 27 points and are 18 behind log leaders FC Platinum.
The Chibuku Super Cup is their only realistic opportunity for a trophy this season but they have a tough first round draw away toBulawayo giants.
The three league encounters between the two teams since GreenFuel joined the top flight league have all ended in a 1-1 draw.
However, GreenFuel believe they can upset Highlanders in its backyard this time around.
"We expect a tough contest at Barbourfields as you are aware that the Chibuku Super Cup is a shorter route to be crowned champions, unlike the league which is a marathon. Its a different competition and there has to be a winner on the particular day. We fancy our chances against a tough opponent in its den," GreenFuel assistant coach Taurai Mangwiro said.
"We haven't done as well as we expected in the league and the Chibuku Super Cup presents us with an opportunity to make an impression," he said.
The Chisumbanje-based side will be without players like Bruno Mtigo and James Ngulube after some knocks ahead of the big tie.
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Highlanders will be looking to reclaim the title, which they won five years ago and could only reach the quarter finals last year before they were knocked out by CAPS United.
Coach Kelvin Kaindu is bracing for a tough encounter against GreenFuel as he relishes the chance to win the Cup and represent Zimbabwe on the African safari.
“The cup game comes with a lot at stake. Especially now, given this is the competition we are all participating in with the winners getting an opportunity to represent the country in Africa,” Kaindu said.
“The prize money is also quite huge for the teams that will be competing. It’s not easy but what we need to do is to focus. When you are planning for a cup game it’s different from a normal game.
“There has to be a winner, but in a league game, some teams will be playing for a draw. In a cup game, the team that wins has more chances of getting into the final which is why it’s important to win every game.”
Bosso could miss the services of Andrew Mbeba and McKinnon Mushore who took part in the Warriors Select on Defence Forces Day while Marvin Sibanda and Archford Faira are nursing some injuries.
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