All set for Townshend and Butcher Trophy competition

THE stage is set for yet another exhilarating local amateur football competition, the Townshend and Butcher Trophy which gets underway at Barbourfields Stadium outside grounds on Sunday.

Bulawayo Amateur Football Association (Bafa) are the hosts of the competition which is in its 66th year with the organisation considered the longest surviving football body in the country.

It was the premier competition for the amateurs in Bulawayo and at some stage Bafa had over five divisions of 16 teams each and was a hunting ground for teams that played under the football mother body.

A total of eight teams will compete in the tournament.

Bafa chairperson, Allan Ncube promised an exciting tournament, adding that they are hoping to host the final at White City Stadium on October 15.

“We have eight teams from the first round on the first of October, the next round will be played on 8 October pitting the four teams that would have progressed from the first round. We will then host the final on 15 October which we are hoping to host at White City Stadium in order to show everyone that there is a place which accommodates boys and takes them away from the streets,” said Ncube.

Organising Secretary, Peter Chikepe added that they are looking at inviting several stakeholders to witness the talent that they have at their disposal.

“We want to invite everyone from Zifa, Division Two and Division Three to come and witness the talent that we have at Bafa,” said Chikepe.

Several players of note who include Lawrence Phiri, Edward Dzowa, Edward Dlamini, Benjamini Mpofu, Ntando Dube, Joseph Dube, Peter Nkomo, Albert Dube and Kainot Luphahla have played in this tournament.

Some of the teams that have won the championship include Safe Guard FC, Mat High City, Highlanders FC, Pigott Maskew, National Foods, Golden Hotspurs, Rebels FC, Advance FC, Forestry Commission B, Barham Green Strikers and Chronicle Nga FC.

Last year’s edition was won by Titans Sporting Academy who dethroned Christian League Flying Stars.

Ncube urged football enthusiasts to come in their numbers to support the league.
— brandon_malvin