PSL clubs largely avoid each other in Munhumutapa Challenge Cup draw

Premier Soccer League clubs have largely been kept apart in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup Round of 16 draw, which produced just two fixtures between top-flight teams. Ngezi Platinum Stars will meet Herentals, while CAPS United were paired with Manica Diamonds.

The other six men’s ties bring together teams from different levels of the competition. FC Platinum will play Black Rock, and Bulawayo Chiefs will face Chilli FC. Hardrock were drawn against Jordan FC, while FC Hunters will take on Hwange.

Triangle will meet Blanket Mine in another tie, and Scottland will play MWOS Under-19. The draw therefore gives most PSL sides a route into the next round without having to eliminate another top-flight club at the first hurdle.

The women’s Round of 16 draw has a prominent all-top-flight meeting of its own, with Scottland Queens set to face Herentals Queens. Las Palmas will play Herentals Under-19, while Hardrock Queens were matched with Black Mambas Queens.

Kwekwe Queens will meet Harare City Queens, and Maningi will take on Faith Drive. Chegutu Community Queens face Black Rhinos Queens, while FC Platinum Royals were drawn against Correctional Queens.

The remaining women’s tie is between Chapungu Queens and Mpopoma Queens. Both the men’s and women’s competitions now have eight Round of 16 fixtures, with the men’s draw defined by the limited number of PSL-versus-PSL encounters and the women’s bracket led by the Scottland Queens-Herentals Queens meeting.