By Prince Chese
Central Region Division One clubs have been handed difficult fixtures against Premier Soccer League (PSL) opponents in the Round of 32 of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup after the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) released the draw.
The competition is being played under the theme “Ubuntu – Heritage – Nhaka.”
Kwekwe United will host Hardrock in the only all-Central Region Division One clash of the round.
The winner will be guaranteed a place in the Round of 16 and will remain the division’s sole representative.
Blanket Mine FC face a demanding away trip to TelOne FC, who will start as favourites on home soil.
MWOS FC have also been drawn at home against PSL side Herentals FC in another tough encounter.
MWOS Under-19 will host Chatidhege FC in the junior competition.
Triangle FC travel to ZPC Kariba in a tie expected to be closely contested between two sides with top-flight experience.
FC Oden will entertain Scottland FC in another intriguing Round of 32 fixture.
The draw also produced several high-profile clashes involving PSL clubs.
Dynamos travel to Hwange, while Highlanders face Blackrock away from home.
Chicken Inn will meet Ngezi Platinum Stars in one of the standout fixtures of the round.
Simba Bhora host Manica Diamonds, FC Platinum visit Marere FC, and CAPS United take on Scottland Academy.
Other fixtures include Aqua Stars against Chili FC, Norton Big Boys versus FC Hunters, Bulawayo Chiefs against Agama FC, and Gwanda Pirates at home to Jordan FC.
Gwanda Pirates winger Maxwell Machando believes lower-division clubs face an uphill battle against their top-flight opponents.
“Premier clubs have a high probability of winning,” said Machando.