ZIFA Southern Region Division One league teams got a shot in the arm after Machache Meats unveiled a $15 000 sponsorship deal for a cup game which will see all the league’s 16 teams competing for the only piece of silverware in the league in the tournament which kicks off today.
SPORTS REPORTER
The first round of knockout matches will be played at different venues with the Bulawayo Chiefs and Zimbabwe Saints clash being the pick of the day. Zifa Southern region secretary-general Sydney Madzvimbo told Southern Eye that the sponsorship couldn’t have come at a better time, as there was no sponsorship for the league. “This is the first time we have hosted such a competition and we felt that there was a need to give the teams something to play for since we do not have a sponsor for our league.
This will help in giving the teams some motivation, as everyone will get something from participating in the competition,” Madzvimbo said. The quarter-finals of the competition are scheduled for this weekend with the semi-finals set for July 27 and the final will be on the first weekend of August. Other cup fixtures will see Black Boots, placed second on the Division One log standings having a tricky encounter against the unpredictable Ajax Hotspurs while Quelaton United will have a date with New West.
Bantu Rovers will have what seems to be an easy clash against the Bulawayo Jumbos who have been struggling in the league, while Technosphere host Mpumalanga in Hwange.
ZPC Hwange and Mkhosana will clash in Hwange as Hwange Juniors host Rufaro Rovers with Tsholotsho hosting Ntabazinduna at bottom of table.
