Kaindu upbeat

Sport
HIGHLANDERS coach Kelvin Kaindu is singing his team’s praises after they finally managed to reach the semi-finals of the Mbada Diamonds Cup over the weekend

HIGHLANDERS coach Kelvin Kaindu is singing his team’s praises after they finally managed to reach the semi-finals of the Mbada Diamonds Cup over the weekend. SUKOLUHLE MTHETHWA SPORTS REPORTER

Highlanders stunned Buffaloes 3-0, scoring three goals in seven minutes through Mthulisi Maphosa, Masimba Mambare and Milton Ncube to secure a place in the last four.

In the inaugural Mbada Diamonds Cup in 2011, Bosso were stunned 5-6 in the first round by Zimbabwe Saints then playing in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) at the Colliery Stadium in Hwange.

Hwange proved to be a bad hunting ground for the Bulawayo football giants as they lost 2-3 to Monomotapa in a quarter-final tie last year.

Bosso had taken the lead through Bhekimpilo Ncube who scored two goals in 20 minutes, but they later fizzled out as Monomotapa came back getting their goals through Osborne Mukuradare, Russell Madamombe before Hillary Mugoniwa scored the winner.

Sunday’s win raised hopes of Bosso faithfuls that it might be possible to get to the finals and maybe win the cup and add a piece of silverware to their cabinet having last won the Independence Trophy in 2011 under the guidance of Mkhuphali Masuku.

“The fact that we have qualified for this year’s semi-finals shows a bit of improvement on our part. Credit goes to the players and everyone of us for being where we are,” he said.

“I’m happy with the performance of the team and I hope that we will transfer our Mbada Cup performance to the league. We have also improved because we have scored six goals from two matches in the cup.”

Kaindu said they were hoping for a good run in the coming matches. Bosso face Tripple B at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow.

“We have managed to progress to the next round because of determination,” the Zambian gaffer said.

“We respect all the teams that are still in the cup because being there means they are all good teams. It’s difficult for us to say if we would win the cup — it is all up to God. We just have to work hard and see how everything goes. The competition is very tough because all the teams want to get something from the cup,”

Caps United beat Chicken Inn 2-1 at Ascot Stadium on Saturday while Harare City edged Hwange 2-0 at Dulibadzimu Stadium in Beitbridge to reach the last four.

How Mine stunned defending champions Dynamos, who are yet to win a match this October, 1-0 at Rufaro Stadium to book their place in the semi-finals. The draw will be conducted on Friday.

The first two teams out of the hat will be separated after which the last two will be drawn. Venues and dates of the semi-finals will then be announced by the PSL.

Winners will take home $130 000 and a $150 000 subsidy to participate in the Caf Confederations Cup with the runners-up getting $90 000.

For reaching the semi-finals, each team is already guaranteed $45 000.