THE hype surrounding the Bob '88 Super Cup semi-final duel pitting FC Platinum and Motor Action at Sakubva today has gripped the eastern border city amid expectations of a full house at the 15 000- seater venue. The 2012 season opener, which is part of the celebrations to mark President Mugabe's 88th birthday and will reach a climax with the February 26 final at Rufaro, became the talk of the town early this week in various meeting places.

Tournament co-ordinator, Stan Kasukuwere, confirmed that the match kicks off at 3pm and gates will be open by 11am with various musicians expected to provide entertainment before the main attraction.

He revealed the cheapest ticket will cost US$2 and US$5 will be charged for the VIP enclosure.

"All is set for the Bob '88 Super Cup match at Sakubva Stadium.

"In fact, they will travel today (yesterday). They will also put up in Mutare on Saturday and travel back to their bases on Sunday.

"We are opening the gates at 11am with various musicians expected to provide entertainment before the main attraction which is the soccer match.

"We just want to urge soccer fans in Mutare and Manicaland at large to come and be part of the fun as we celebrate the life of a visionary leader," Kasukuwere said.

Interestingly, the Premiership Moneybags will be making their maiden trip to Sakubva as a top-flight league side to face the Mighty Bulls, who have occasionally used Sakubva as their home ground.

While FC Platinum have never played at Sakubva before, Motor Action, who once used the venue for their home matches, were at Sakubva last season for two cup matches.

And their goalkeeper, Marlon Jani, believes that they have since won sympathy from the Mutare fans because of their frequent use of Sakubva.

"We have been to Sakubva and we have a good number of supporters in Mutare.

"In fact, each time we play in Mutare we always feel at home maybe it is because we once used Sakubva as our home ground.

"However, we are geared to give it our best shot and ensure that we go through to the finals of the tournament," said Jani.

However, his counterpart at FC Platinum, Tafadzwa Dube, thinks otherwise.

"Sakubva provides a neutral venue for both teams and we are confident that we will win that match.

"I don't think the fact that Motor Action once used Sakubva as their home ground will be of any significance.

"The better team of the day will earn the respect of the fans

"We understand that Motor Action are no pushovers and it won't be a stroll in the park but we are well prepared for the match," he said. FC Platinum and Motor Action are featuring in the tournament for the first time after the organisers doubled the number of participating teams that took part in the inaugural edition last year.

Harare giants Dynamos and CAPS United clashed in a one-off final last year which the Glamour Boys won 3-2 and walked away US$45 000 richer.

But the tournament has encompassed the league's top four finishers from last season with Dynamos engaging Hwange in the other semi-final tomorrow in Bulawayo.