Sydney Ncube
SPORTS REPORTER

ZVISHAVANE–Shabanie Mine FC head coach, Timothy Maphosa is excited by the prospect of facing FC Platinum Under-19 in a Castle Challenge Cup curtain raising match at Mandava Stadium this Saturday.
Bvaru Bvaru as Shabanie FC is known by its legion of fans will be playing competitive football for the first time in four years after failing to play in the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Central Region Division One league due to financial constraints.
The Cup challenge is played between PSL and Chibuku Super Cup winners and this year’s edition is between PSL Champions FC Platinum and Chibuku Super Cup winners Bulawayo Chiefs. FC Platinum has dominated the cup since its inception in 2017 having won all three editions.
Maphosa said Bvaru Bvaru supporters should come in large numbers and rally behind their team. He also pleaded with the supporters to be patient as he builds a strong side.
“Shabanie Mine is back and we have our first game against FC Platinum Under -19 on Saturday. We expect fans to come in large numbers and support their squad. They should not expect much as the squad is new,” he said.
The Castle Challenge Cup is a season opener of the main league which is set to commence on March 18, 2023.
FC Platinum beat Harare City 2-1 in the inaugural edition and retained the trophy in 2018 with a 2-0 win over Triangle United. The cup was not played in 2019 and in 2020 Platinum beat Highlanders 2-0 at Barbourfields to retain the trophy.