By McGeorge Mbare
CENTRAL Region Soccer League log leaders Blanket Mine face another stern test in the Munhumutapa Cup when they host Premier Soccer League side FC Platinum in the quarter-finals.
The fixture is scheduled to be played in October 2026, with Blanket Mine looking forward to continuing their impressive unbeaten run in Zimbabwe’s prestigious domestic competition, arguably the most valuable title in the country.
Backed by the home crowd, Blanket Mine will be hoping to continue writing their remarkable underdog story by defying the odds and upsetting one of the country’s big clubs.
Blanket Mine go into the fixture as the only remaining Central Region and lower league club in the competition.
On their road to the quarter-finals, Blanket Mine rubbed shoulders with Premier Soccer League sides TelOne and Triangle FC, emerging victorious against both clubs.
They now face another difficult assignment against FC Platinum.
Blanket Mine will need to produce another disciplined and determined performance if they are to secure their place in the semifinals and continue their impressive underdog story in the competition.
In an interview with Ziyah News Network, Blanket Mine coach Petros Jukulile said the draw against FC Platinum presents a difficult challenge, but his players will be ready to tackle the assignment as usual.
“It is a tough fixture and we know they are a big club, but our team will also be prepared to play as usual. It is good to compete against the best for us to be the best,” Jukulile said.
The Munhumutapa Cup represents an opportunity for the Gwanda side to continue their remarkable journey and reach the semi-finals for the first time.
Whether they go on to win the competition or not, Blanket Mine’s journey has already captured the spirit of football enthusiasts across the country.
Elsewhere, Scotland will host Bulawayo Chiefs, with both sides battling for a place in the last four.
Amakhosi will be highly motivated to face the reigning PSL champions, who are also regarded as favourites to win the tournament.
In-form PSL debutants Hard Rock will host Herentals at their prestigious Chahwanda Stadium, a venue where many teams have struggled to secure even a point in league fixtures.
All eyes will also be on the capital as giants Caps United travel to face the Hunters in the other quarter-final.
At this stage, Blanket Mine, Hard Rock and Hunters are the only teams that can be described as the young Davids waiting for quarter-final day to arrive and slay the giants.