By McGeorge Mbare
CENTRAL Region Soccer League Division One log leaders Blanket Mine have stormed into the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup 2026 Round of 8, making history as the only lower division club left in the tournament.
In an impressive run, the Gwanda side defeated Premier Soccer League club Triangle United 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time to book their place in the last 8.
Blanket Mine have continued to produce disciplined and determined performances, defying the odds against top flight opposition.
They already eliminated PSL side TelOne in the Round of 32 and now Triangle United in the Round of 16.
Next up is yet another stern test, as all seven remaining teams in the competition are Premier Soccer League clubs.
As log leaders of the lower division, Blanket Mine are also showing they mean business in the league, pushing hard for promotion and a place among Zimbabwe’s top flight clubs.
There may be no better underdog story in the 2026 ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup than Blanket Mine’s run.
If they can upset more giants, a place in the final of the prestigious cup is not out of reach.
The Munhumutapa Cup continues to provide the perfect stage for giant killings and surprise runs from lower division teams like Blanket Mine.
In an interview with Ziyah News Network, Central Region Soccer League Chairperson Patrick Hill praised the log leaders for their remarkable achievement.
“I’m very proud of Blanket Mine. They are leading by example as the log leaders and that’s what we expect from our league,” Hill said.
List of the 8 teams left in the Munhumutapa Cup
1)Blanket Mine – Central Region Soccer League
2)Bulawayo Chiefs – Premier Soccer League
3)CAPS United – Premier Soccer League
4)Hardrock – Premier Soccer League
5)Herentals – Premier Soccer League
6)FC Hunters – Premier Soccer League
7)FC Platinum – Premier Soccer League
8)Scottland – Premier Soccer League