The Chibuku Super Cup has delivered its first dose of knockout drama, and Zimbabwean football now has its eyes firmly fixed on a mouth-watering quarter-final stage.
The last 16 produced goals, late winners, penalty drama and one of the tournament’s biggest talking points — but with the quarter-final draw still to be made, eight survivors are already dreaming of a place in the last four.
The quarter-finals are scheduled for September 12–13, according to the tournament schedule.
Giants lead the charge
Three of Zimbabwe’s traditional heavyweights — Dynamos, Highlanders and CAPS United — remain in the hunt, setting up the possibility of another blockbuster chapter in the competition’s history.
Defending champions Dynamos sent out perhaps the clearest warning of the weekend, crushing TelOne 4-1 at Rufaro Stadium. The Glamour Boys had been made to work for their breakthrough, but a powerful second-half surge carried them into the last eight. Dynamos are chasing an extraordinary fourth consecutive Chibuku Super Cup title.
CAPS United, meanwhile, showed the kind of fighting spirit that could make them dangerous in the knockout stages. The Green Machine edged Simba Bhora 3-2, with substitute Tinotenda Meke scoring the decisive goal in stoppage time. The victory keeps alive CAPS’ hopes of ending a decade-long wait for major silverware.
Highlanders also survived a tense Bulawayo derby against Chicken Inn. After a goalless 90 minutes, Bosso prevailed 3-1 on penalties to book their place in the quarter-finals.
Scottland emerge as serious contenders
If anyone thought the Chibuku Cup would be an easy ride for the country’s established giants, Scottland provided a firm reality check.
The reigning Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions swept aside two-time Chibuku winners FC Platinum 3-1 at Rufaro Stadium. Coach Norman Mapeza has made it clear that Scottland intend to compete seriously on every front, and their emphatic cup victory has strengthened their credentials as one of the favourites.
That result also means FC Platinum, one of the competition’s most decorated modern clubs, are already out.
ZPC Kariba deliver an emotional victory
ZPC Kariba produced another memorable story by defeating Ngezi Platinum Stars 1-0 at Baobab Stadium.
Munashe Kamwendo scored the only goal, while coach Expense Chitukutuku dedicated the victory to victims of the recent Lake Kariba ferry disaster. It was therefore more than just a cup upset for the Kariba outfit — it was an emotionally charged victory carrying significance beyond football.
Hardrock’s fairytale continues
Newboys Hardrock are also into the quarter-finals after eliminating 2022 Chibuku Super Cup winners Bulawayo Chiefs 1-0.
For a club still establishing itself among Zimbabwe’s football elite, the run represents a remarkable opportunity. Hardrock have already demonstrated that they are not simply here to make up the numbers, and the quarter-final draw could give them another chance to upset one of the tournament favourites.
MWOS have likewise progressed after defeating Agama 2-0, with Nigel Makumbe playing a decisive role in their victory.
Eight teams, one coveted trophy
The quarter-final line-up is therefore:
- Dynamos
- Highlanders
- CAPS United
- Scottland
- MWOS
- ZPC Kariba
- Hardrock
- FC Hunters
The quarter-final draw is expected in Harare next week, meaning supporters will have to wait a little longer to discover the exact match-ups.
And that uncertainty is part of the excitement. A Dynamos-CAPS United clash would bring enormous Harare bragging rights. A Highlanders-Scottland tie would pit one of Zimbabwe’s most passionate traditional clubs against the country’s new league champions. Meanwhile, MWOS, Hardrock, ZPC Kariba and FC Hunters will be hoping the draw gives them a path to the semi-finals without having to eliminate another giant.
For Dynamos, the mission is clear: extend their extraordinary dominance. For CAPS United and Highlanders, it is a chance to restore old glory. For Scottland, it is an opportunity to add another major prize to an already impressive 2026 campaign.
And for the outsiders, the message is simple — the Chibuku Super Cup is there for the taking.
With the quarter-finals less than a month away, Zimbabwe’s knockout kings are preparing for another weekend where one mistake can end a dream, one moment of brilliance can change a season, and one club can move two victories away from Chibuku Super Cup glory.
The final is scheduled for November 28, with the champions set to pocket US$75,000.
