By McGeorge Mbare
THE journey to cup glory continues as the Dream Inn GMI Super 8 semi-finals are now set, with none of the remaining teams coming from the top three of the Central Region Soccer league.
The three most inform teams in the Central Region Soccer League, Blanket Mine, Chapungu and Kwekwe United were all knocked out in the Super 8 quarterfinals.
In the first semi-final, West Nicholson and Super Strikers FC have progressed to the last four, setting up a Gwanda derby at Phelandaba Stadium.
Nicholson edged fellow Gwanda side Gwanda Pirates 11-10 in a historic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time in their quarter final, while Super Strikers defeated Kwekwe United 2-0 to book a semi-final date with Nicholson.
The result adds another impressive chapter to the tournament, given that penalty shootouts are generally considered a lottery.
In the second semi-final, Grain Tigers will battle Tongogara FC, with both sides hoping to secure a place in the final against the winner of the Gwanda derby between Nicholson and Super Strikers FC.
Grain Tigers booked their place in the Dream Inn GMI Super 8 semi-finals after handing Blanket Mine their first defeat of the season in all competitions.
Tigers beat Blanket Mine 12-11 on penalties after a brave 1-1 draw in regulation time away from home, while Tongogara secured a 2-1 victory over fellow soldiers Chapungu to book their semi-final place.
Nicholson coach Ofhani Muleya hailed his players for showing character, saying they have developed greater mental strength when approaching local derbies.
“Firstly, I would like to congratulate my boys for showing some character. They have improved a lot in terms of mental strength when approaching our local derbies, especially in our previous last eight match against Pirates,” Muleya said.
Speaking on West Nicholson’s semifinal clash against Super Strikers, Muleya urged his players to guard against complacency, saying local derbies are difficult to predict.
“We need to guard against complacency because derbies are unpredictable. These players, both from Super Strikers and us, know each other. They play together as friends in the streets and they mingle socially and economically. So, a derby for me is very difficult, but through God’s grace, I know we will square up against every opponent we face, despite anything,” Muleya said.
Muleya also praised their opponents, describing Super Strikers as one of the best teams in the competition, particularly after their impressive 2-0 victory away from home against in form Kwekwe United.