SPORTS REPORTER
MASVINGO -ZIFA Eastern Region Soccer League champions, Bikita Minerals FC seek to overturn 1-0 deficit when they face Northern Region champions Chegutu Pirates FC in the second leg of a two legged tie dubbed the Clash of the Titans.
The first leg was played at Pfupajena Stadium in Chegutu on Saturday 02 December and the home team came out 1-0 victors with a solitary goal by Eddie Tsoro.
The return leg is set for the Lithium Stadium in Bikita on Sunday 10 December 2023.
Both sides were surprise winners in their respective leagues after showing great resilience and character to upstage their more fancied rivals.
Chegutu Pirates had a good run in the last lap of the marathon going for an incredible eleven match winning streak to edge early pacesetters Black Mambas to the title with a point while Bikita Minerals ghosted from nowhere to claim the title ahead of favourites Tenax, Wangu Mazodze and surprise package Rusitu Tigers.
Bikita Minerals coach Tongai Mugeji reiterated that facing Chegutu Pirates gives him an opportunity to test his players against champions from another region.
“Firstly I would like to thank the organisers of this clash because this is what we need to test our strength our squad against another champion,” Mugeji said.
“I’m happy with this arrangement and I wish we could have more competitive matches as we transition from the regional leagues into the Premier Soccer League. I would be very happy if we are to have another competition tournament early next year during the pre-season so that we really fine tune our teams and give the players the much needed confidence.”
“Chegutu Pirates gives us the test that we need because of their passionate supporters. Playing at Pfupajena Stadium against the intimidating crowd gave us a glimpse of what to expect when facing sides like Dynamos and Highlanders next year in the Premier Soccer League.”
Chegutu Pirates coach Day Gutu said they are going to take the clash very seriously because they are the flagship of their region.
“As the representative of the Northern Region Soccer League, we don’t want to let the region down. We are going to fight to claim the tie. The Northern Region Soccer League is one of the toughest regions with fierce competition and we should show that against Bikita Minerals,” Gutu said.
“Of course we are not going to underestimate Bikita Minerals because to be where they are shows that they are a good side. But for us we have an impressive home record and we used the home advantage to secure a lead going into the second leg”, he added.