The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter
VETERAN coaches Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera and Thulani Sibanda will pit their wits against each other when Flame Lily and ZRP Mambas square up in a Yadah TV quarter-finals clash at Chinhoyi Stadium this afternoon. The tournament is sponsored by Prophet Walter Magaya’s PHD Ministries to the tune of $30 000.
With World Navi Northern Region Division One log leaders Yadah Gunners having already booked their place in the last four with a 1-0 win over Starbill a fortnight ago, the two sides will be eager to outdo each other and book a ticket into the last four, where Ngezi Platinum have also booked a berth.
Saruchera, who has vast Division One and Premiership experience, predicted a tough battle, but expressed confidence that his Flame Lily outfit will get the better of ZRP Mambas, who were formerly known as Black Mambas.
“It is not going to be an easy tie because we are playing against a very good side that has the capacity not only to beat us but even to go all the way and win it.
“We, however, would have wanted to play at another stadium which is not bumpy to allow our flowing game, but we will still do with what is available,” he said.
Sibanda, on the other hand, said his players , who fell 0-1 to DSTV Rangers in a midweek league tie, are psyched up for the tie.
“It’s a cup game, a massive battle against a strong team, but for me it is just like any other game we have played and we will not be putting ourselves under unnecessary pressure.
“We are playing at a neutral venue, which will not give either of us home advantage and any team can win it,” he said.
Meanwhile, in another quarter-finals match, Mushowani Stars beat Lake Harvest 3-1 to advance to the semi-finals of the competition.
