By McGeorge Mbare
THREE Central Region Soccer League Division One sides will be aiming to keep their Munhumutapa Challenge Cup dreams alive as they battle in their respective round of 32 , scheduled for August 8 and 9 ,2026.
League leaders Blanket Mine, Gwanda Pirates and Kwekwe United will all face stern tests as they look to book places in the last 16 of Zimbabwe’s prestigious knockout competition.
Gwanda Pirates will host Jordan FC at Phelandaba Stadium on sartuday ,August 8.
The Matabeleland South outfit reached the Round of 32 after edging past their previous opponents Harare City 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Pirates coach Johannes Ngodzo believes his side faces a difficult assignment despite playing at home.
“This is an unusual fixture because Jordan are a different team from another league. It is not going to be an easy match but we will use our home advantage to keep up our momentum,” said Ngodzo.
On Sunday, Central Region Soccer League side Blanket Mine travel to Ascot Stadium for a tough encounter against Premier Soccer League side TelOne.
Blanket Mine earned their place in the Round of 32 with a hard fought 1-0 away victory over Eastern Region outfit Buffalo FC.
Although Buffalo proved difficult opponents throughout the contest, Blanket Mine held firm to progress and now face an even bigger challenge against TelOne.
Kwekwe United will battle their fellow rivals Hard Rock on Sunday at Chahwanda stadium.
Local bragging rights will be at stake, with both teams eager to advance in the competition.
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With places in the Round of 16 up for grabs, the three Central Region teams will be hoping to continue flying the division one’s flag and prove they can compete with some of the country’s top clubs.