Rukwanhi Shines Despite Norton Exit

Norton Big Boys may have crashed out of the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, but Charles “Honde” Rukwanhi emerged as one of the talking points after scoring a stunning long-range goal against FC Hunters.

The Norton-based side’s second dance with a Premier Soccer League club ended in disappointment after FC Hunters secured a 3-1 victory in the Round of 32 at Ngoni Stadium.

Despite the defeat, Rukwanhi’s powerful strike from about 20 yards gave Norton Big Boys’ supporters something to celebrate, with fans praising the midfielder for producing a moment of brilliance against higher-level opposition.

“He still has it. That typical goal from where he was wasn’t expected by the fans because these guys don’t train,” said one supporter who spoke to ZimNow.

Another fan praised the team’s performance but questioned the officiating during the match.

“They played well though we fell short. But FC Hunters shouldn’t applaud themselves because they had the referee’s backing,” the supporter said.

The defeat also left Norton Big Boys head coach Rodreck Mutuma fuming, with the coach blaming the match officials for his side’s elimination.

“We have been denied a clear penalty. We didn’t lose the game, but the referee had to get us knocked out of the tournament,” said Mutuma.

“Where are we going if referees continue playing like this? This disturbs the development of football in this country,” he added.

Norton Big Boys had been hoping to make another statement after their previous encounters against PSL opposition, but their Munhumutapa Challenge Cup campaign has now come to an end.

Elsewhere, several PSL sides also suffered shock exits from the competition.

Dynamos had already been eliminated, while Simba Bhora, TelOne and Highlanders joined the list of notable casualties after losing their respective Round of 32 encounters on penalties.

FC Platinum edged Marere 1-0 at Chahwanda Stadium, while CAPS United thrashed Scotland Academy 6-0 at Baobab Stadium.

Triangle United also advanced after defeating Kariba 3-0 at Nyamhunga Stadium.

In the penalty shootouts, Ngezi Platinum edged Chicken Inn 5-4 after a 0-0 draw at Luveve Stadium, while Blanket Mine defeated TelOne 4-3 on penalties at Ascot Stadium.

Blackrock stunned Highlanders 5-3 on penalties at The Colliery, while Manica Diamonds overcame Simba Bhora 6-5 on penalties at Wadzanai Stadium.