Bosso wanted Dembare for the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals

BELEAGUERED Bulawayo giants Highlanders are frustrated that they missed out on a Dynamos draw for the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals after they were paired against Caps United instead.

Highlanders were still reeling from two consecutive losses when their Sunday match against Dynamos had to be abandoned in the first half due to crowd trouble, with a 2-0 deficit on the scoreboard.

Having relinquished their lead in the league title race, falling to second place behind Ngezi Platinum Stars, Highlanders are now eager to perform well in the Chibuku Cup competition and compete for honors on multiple fronts.

Their first loss of the season came against FC Platinum, and they are seeking redemption against the platinum miners.

Nkosi Dube, representing Highlanders, shared his thoughts with reporters during the draw, saying, "We would have preferred to face Dynamos or FC Platinum for obvious reasons. They recently defeated us, so we were determined to retaliate and score five or six goals this time, nothing less."

He added, "The draw was fair, and it's unfortunate that our friends from Caps United, who like us, have been going through a tough patch, will face us. I want to assure our fans that we will definitely lift the Chibuku trophy. We will breeze through the quarter-finals, breeze through the semis, despite recent setbacks. All teams go through a rough patch, but we will come back stronger."

Caps United has struggled in the Chibuku Super Cup since its return a decade ago and has reached the last eight for the first time since making the semi-finals in 2018. Their league form this season has also been poor, sitting in 10th place and failing to secure a win in their last seven matches.

Onesimus Chaoma, representing Caps United, remained optimistic, saying, "I know we haven't been performing well in the league, but we are Cup Kings, and playing against Highlanders promises to be an exciting game. We have been playing well, but unfortunately, results have not gone our way. We expect to do well because Caps United has one of the best coaches in the country."

In-form Dynamos were drawn to face FC Platinum, who eliminated them from the country's premier knockout competition in the last two editions. FC Platinum clinched the competition in 2021 and, despite struggling in their league title defense, are aiming for success in this tournament.

In other matchups, high-flying Ngezi Platinum Stars will take on Herentals FC, a team they consider a tough opponent as Herentals reached the final last year before losing to eventual champions Bulawayo Chiefs. Castle Lager Premier Soccer League's bottom side, Black Rhinos, will host Chicken Inn.

The quarter-final matches are scheduled for the weekend of September 30, with Highlanders, FC Platinum, Chicken Inn, and Herentals enjoying home advantage.

Chibuku Super Cup Quarter-final Draw
Herentals v Ngezi Platinum Stars, FC Platinum v Dynamos, Highanders v Caps United, Chicken Inn v Black Rhinos