By Sheldon Hakata and Golden Guvamatanga

THE Castle Lager Premier League takes a break this week, paving way for the lucrative Chibuku Super Cup knockout tournament with some exciting matches lined up this weekend.
The Chibuku Super Cup, which presents a ticket for the winners to feature in the CAF Confederation Cup, comes as a relief to struggling premiership giants Dynamos, their bitter rivals Highlanders and title contenders Ngezi Platinum who have endured indifferent runs in recent weeks.
In addition, the tournament comes as a great incentive for premier league teams which have been wallowing under the prevailing economic hardships.
Knockout competitions are very different to league matches; teams are more determined to win.
Chibuku Super Cup, which is more of a money game, is not an easy competition.
Losing a match signals the end of a team’s run in the tournament.
This year’s winners are expected to compete in next year’s tournament which will begin early 2019.
Holders Harare City are relishing the prospects of another triumph, having stunned high flying Ngezi Platinum in last season’s final.
The Sunshine Boys boast an impressive record in the tournament having lifted the cup twice since its inception in 2014.
They have also reached the semifinals of each edition.
Harare City go into the tournament as bookmakers’ favourites, courtesy of their impressive record.
Sunshine Boys are under pressure to fight for it since they won the tournament on many occasions.
They will be banking on the exploits of star midfielder Moses Muchenje, who is currently enjoying a purple patch.
Harare City take on struggling Bulawayo City FC at Rufaro Stadium this afternoon.
Muchenje, who moved from Harare giants CAPS United, played a blinder when his team dismantled an out-of-sorts DeMbare on Sunday.
After a commanding display in the midfield against DeMbare, Muchenje, who has a knack for rising to the occasion when it matters most, will be looking to pick up from where he left against Dynamos.
Harare City edged fading Harare giants, Dynamos, at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday, courtesy of a superb first half strike by Ishmael Wadi, leaving them hanging precariously just above the drop zone.
While Harare City has done well in the tournament, there are, however, no guarantees in football and that is the most important aspect to consider, especially when it comes to knock-out tournaments.
Ngezi Platinum coach Tonderai Ndiraya must surely be a worried man after his stuttering team fell to minnows Yadah FC last Saturday.
They are now five points off the pace against bitter rivals FC Platinum.
Madamburo have been struggling to finish off the so-called ‘small teams’.
This is now hampering their quest for a maiden Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title.
The defeat left Ngezi Platinum Stars in second place with 57 points from 27 games.
Ngezi Platinum Stars will be home to Herentals FC in the Chibuku Super Cup first round encounter tomorrow.
Ever-improving Herentals FC will be looking to translate their good run in the league to the Chibuku Super Cup at Baobab Stadium against the wounded platinum miners.
The Students’ seven-match unbeaten run, that gave them maximum points from their three matches against ZPC Kariba, Bulawayo City and Bulawayo Chiefs, came to an abrupt end on Saturday when they were mauled 2-nil by a supercharged FC Platinum.
Herentals FC have been arguably the team of the season in the Premiership thus far, although their conversion rate continues to hinder their progress.
In 27 outings, the Students have bagged seven wins and 11 draws.
FC Platinum host stubborn Chapungu FC at Mandava Stadium tomorrow.
Chapungu have been blowing hot and cold in the PSL and will be aiming to cast the ghost of inconsistency at the FC Platinum fiefdom.
Army side Black Rhinos are on a high following their 7-nil drubbing of Mutare City at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
While this was the highest winning margin so far this season, that form can only produce positive results if summoned in cup matches.
Until Sunday, FC Platinum’s 6-0 victory over Mutare City had been the season’s biggest margin.
Black Rhinos host Nichrut at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow.
After being deemed excess to requirements at CAPS United, Amon Kambanje came back in Shabanie Mine colours to haunt his former pay-masters.
Kambanje was on target as Makepekepe shared spoils with Bvaru Bvaru in a 1-all draw at the National Sports Stadium on Saturday.
Shabanie are fighting relegation.
Triangle United FC welcome Shabanie Mine at Gibbo Stadium on Sunday.
CAPS United’s impotence in front of goal was once again laid bare last Saturday.
Midfielder Joel Ngodzo’s strike rescued CAPS United.
The Green Machine have been one of
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the stronger sides this season but have been let down by a poor conversion rate in front of goal.
That has seen them fail to launch a serious challenge for the championship.
CAPS United welcome ZPC Kariba on Sunday at the National Sports Stadium.
With eight games left before the season ends, Chitembwe’s men are now a massive 19 points behind log leaders and defending champions FC Platinum.
They sit fifth on the log with 43 points.
In the other fixtures of the Chibuku Super Cup first round, Highlanders play Yadah FC at Barbourfields Stadium.
Fallen giants Dynamos will be seeking some respite when they lock horns with giant killers Bulawayo Chiefs at Rufaro Stadium tomorrow.
There is not much to write home about the struggling giants these days.
Chibuku Super first round fixtures
Friday
Harare City vs Bulawayo City (Rufaro)
Saturday
FC Platinum vs Chapungu FC (Mandava)
Ngezi Platinum vs Herentals FC (Baobab)
Black Rhinos vs Nichrut (NSS)
Dynamos vs Bulawayo Chiefs (Rufaro)
Sunday
Highlanders vs Yadah FC (Barbourfields)
CAPS United vs ZPC Kariba (NSS)
Triangle vs Shabanie Mine (Gibbo).