When Champions League games began, every team wanted to be in the finals and no one
gave Lupinyo Bullets a chance at that stage, but the team from a small village has found
itself in the finals against a most assembled Indlovu Iyanyathela from the Monde League.
The two teams will square up in what has been dubbed a David and Golliath affair at Sinyore
Stadium in Chidobe.
Indlovu are the champions of Monde League and have a bulk of former Division One players
who are known to cause havoc to opposing team due to their experience.
Ricardo Ncube, who is a goalkeeper and one of the players in the running for the keeper of
the tournament and player of the tournament, once featured for Hwange Football Club as a
reserve keeper.
Then Hwange was in the First Division and they have since clinched the championship and
have been promoted to the elite Premier League.
His skills as a goal minder were evident last weekend when they knocked Chidobe
Kachecheti Champions, Dragons out of the cup via a penalty shootout.
Ricardo saved the first three penalties and converted the winner to send Indlovu to the finals.
They also have Thabani Moyo who has been brilliant throughout the competition, often
backed by Adrian Nyoni and their top challenger Bongani Ndlovu who was the league top
scorer in the just ended Mosi League with 28 goals.
For them to lift the trophy, they will have to guard against Lupinyo Bullets marauding
strikers Tyrol Ncube and Brightman Dube who were top joint scorers in the championship
build-up games.
Lupinyo also have Mthokozisi Sibanda to pin their hopes on as they march towards their first
ever trophy since their formation 10 years ago.
Meanwhile Dragons and Masters will meet in a third place play off before the finals.
The Championship cup is sponsored to the tune of US$500 and only top four teams from the
two leagues Chika and Mosi qualified.
It is expected to expand to other leagues like Mvuthu Football League and Jambezi Football
League next season.
There will be medals for the top three teams and a trophy for the winners.
Awards for the player of the tournament, goalkeeper of the game, most disciplined player, top
scorer and the coach of the season will also be presented.
The cup is sponsored by Victoria Falls Veterinary Service, Agricultural Zone and Chidobe
Business Complex.
