THE Chibuku Super Cup kicks into high gear this afternoon as the first round gets underway with four high-stakes encounters.
Zimbabwe’s premier knockout format promises drama, with teams looking to put their league woes behind them and make a run for the coveted trophy.
It’s a trophy Cup which comes with it the privilege to represent the country in the Caf Confederation Cup.
The marquee match of the day sees resurgent defending champions Dynamos travel to Shamva this afternoon to face league champions Simba Bhora at Wadzanayi Stadium.
Dynamos, who are in real danger of relegation this season, sit in 17th place on the 18-team log table with 19 points, a full eight points from safety with only 10 matches remaining.
Their participation in the preliminary round was a consequence of their poor league position.
However, they managed to overcome equally struggling Yadah FC at Ngoni Stadium in Norton, winning 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw.
This victory was also the first match in the dugout for their new coach, Kelvin Kaindu.
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The clash against Simba Bhora is a repeat of the Castle Challenge Cup, which Dynamos won on penalties before the start of the season.
Simba Bhora will be seeking revenge in front of their home supporters, in a match that could define the cup runs for both teams.
Having won the tournament back to back in the last couple of years, DeMbare will be entertaining the idea of a three-peat.
In another high-profile clash, former Cup Kings Caps United make the short trip to Norton to face newcomers MWOS FC at Ngoni Stadium.
MWOS FC enter the high-stakes arena of the Chibuku Super Cup as hosts and they will be looking to overcome a familiar foe.
With progression hinging solely on victory, the Punters face a classic cup football examination: navigate past the Green Machine or see their cup dreams extinguished at the first hurdle.
Caps United, languishing in 10th position in the league, arrive in Norton similarly starved of momentum.
The Green Machine have just one win in their last five league fixtures and were stunned by Bikita Minerals last weekend.
This cup tie represents a clean slate for both capital region rivals, a chance to temporarily shelve league woes and chase cup glory.
History offers MWOS a psychological crumb of comfort, as the last encounter between these sides at Ngoni Stadium saw the Punters emerge 2-1 victors in a fiercely contested league encounter.
Two-time champions FC Platinum will play host to a struggling Manica Diamonds at their home ground, Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane.
The platinum miners will be looking to bounce back from a chastening 5-2 league defeat to Scottland FC in their own backyard last week.
FC Platinum will be looking to reclaim the Cup they last won in 2021.
In the other matches today, TelOne FC will host Bikita Minerals at Ascot Stadium in Gweru.
Chibuku Super Cup first round fixtures:
Today: Simba Bhora vs Dynamos (Wadzanayi), MWOS vs Caps Utd (Ngoni), TelOne vs Bikita Minerals (Ascot), FC Platinum vs Manica Diamonds (Mandava)
Tomorrow: Scottland vs Gree nFuel (Sakubva), Ngezi Platinum Stars vs Triangle (Baobab)
