FC Platinum, CAPS clinch Chibuku quarters

Zimpapers Sports Hub

FC PLATINUM remained on course to win an unprecedented third Chibuku Super Cup title with a 1-0 win over TelOne at Mandava Stadium yesterday.

Joining them in the quarter-finals were visiting Harare teams CAPS United and Yadah, who went past Bikita Minerals and Chicken Inn, respectively. The other match between Simba Bhora and Herentals, initially scheduled for yesterday, was moved to today at Wadzanai Stadium in Shamva.

At Mandava, second-half substitute Oscar Bhebhe’s 72nd minute strike sent Pure Platinum Play into the quarterfinals.

He got onto the end of a pass by the lively Jarrison Selemani.

FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza is dreaming of going all the way, although he wants his boys to keep their feet on the ground.

“Who doesn’t want to play in the final? Who doesn’t want to be rich?” an elated Mapeza said.

Pure Platinum Play are two-time Chibuku Super Cup champions, having won the trophy in 2014 and 2021.

At Sakubva Stadium, William Manondo earned CAPS United victory against newcomers Bikita Minerals to reach the last eight.

Last season, CAPS United lost to eventual winners Dynamos in the semi-final.

Bikita Minerals were their own worst enemies when they not only created a lot of scoring chances, but also dominated the encounter, eventually succumbing to the painful defeat.

Manondo propelled his team into the lead in the 36th minute when he latched onto a loose ball in the box and made no mistake from close range.

Bikita Minerals coach Arnold Jani conceded that failure to score was their greatest weakness.

“It is sad that we created so many chances but failed to score.

“We actually dominated the encounter but somehow failed to get the goals. We were punished for that,” he said.

“We just have to go back and make amends on our weaknesses as we place our focus back to the league matches.”

His opposite number, Lloyd Chitembwe, admitted that his team was not at its best, but commended the players for still getting a good result.

“It is clear that we did not play to the best of our ability. I know these boys can do much better than what they did today.

“They are capable of playing much better than they did today. However, I am happy with the result. We still managed to win the match, albeit playing under par,” he said.

“CAPS United is a big institution and obviously we need to live up to that by winning as many matches as we can.

“We just have to make sure that we find ways of getting the better of our opponents with each passing match because much is expected from us, being CAPS United.”

At Luveve Stadium, visiting Yadah welcomed matchday captain Khama Billiat back to the team with a 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Chicken Inn following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Billiat, who missed last week’s defeat to TelOne with flu, led from the front and took the first spot kick as Yadah converted all their penalties, while Leeroy Ndlovu missed the fifth for Chicken Inn.

Yadah had taken a first-half lead through Ndereki’s strike after 15 minutes, while Brighton Makopa equalised for Chicken Inn after 83 minutes.