Dream Inn-GMI Super 8 fever hits Central Region: Quarter-final blockbusters this Weekend

The inaugural Dream Inn-GMI Super 8 Challenge Cup roars to life this weekend, with the Central Region Soccer League’s top performers set for four blockbuster quarter-finals that have fans buzzing across the region.

With league form and cup glory on the line, the tournament brings together the top eight teams as at Matchday 17, setting the stage for what many are calling the biggest showdown in Central Region’s history.

WHO ARE THE FAVORITES TO WIN THE CHALLENGE CUP?

Blanket Mine FC players at Sabiwa Stadium. Picture by Blanket Mine FC

Based on current league standings, Blanket Mine FC and Kwekwe United FC head into the Cup as the teams to beat. Blanket Mine FC and Kwekwe United currently sit in first and second position on the log table.

Log leaders Blanket Mine are unbeaten in 22 matches – 16 wins and six draws – and sit top on 54 points. Their form has extended beyond the league, with the Luke Petros-led side also qualifying for the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup quarter-finals after beating Triangle 5-2 on penalties in a Round of 16 match on Sunday at Gibbo Stadium.

Blanket Mine face sixth-placed Grain Tigers FC on 38 points at Sabiwa Stadium on Sunday. But first, they must fulfill their Matchday 13 league assignment against Grain Tigers on Wednesday, meaning they will face the same opponents twice in five days at the same venue.

Hot on their heels are Kwekwe United in second position on 52 points. The miners have 16 wins from 23 games and take on 10th-placed Super Strikers FC at Baghdad Stadium on Sunday.

Third-placed Airforce side Chapungu FC on 50 points are set to face army side Tongogara FC at Ascot Stadium on Sunday. The clash also comes in as a serious contender tie.

AN EXPLOSIVE GWANDA DERBY ON THE CARDS

Gwanda Pirates players at Phelandaba stadium. Picture by Gwanda Pirates/Facebook

In Gwanda, all eyes will be on Pheladaba Stadium on Saturday for the derby match pitting West Nicholson FC and Gwanda Pirates FC. With just one point separating fourth and fifth in the league, and both clubs pushing for promotion, this derby is expected to breathe life into the small mining town.

Central Region officials say the Dream Inn-GMI Super 8 Challenge Cup was created to give fans premium knockout football and a chance to see the region’s best go head-to-head outside the league race. League chairman Patrick Hill said the new tournament is a milestone for football in the region:

“This competition was designed to reward consistency in the league while giving our supporters top-quality knockout matches. We are expecting full stadiums and intense battles because every team in this Super 8 has earned their place. The Dream Inn-GMI Super 8 Challenge Cup will set the tone for the future of football in the Central Region,” Hill said.

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