adminMzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
THE Bulawayo Amateur Football Association (Bafa) Townsend and Butcher tournament kicks off this weekend at Barbourfields Stadium.
The tournament which is probably the oldest Bafa tournament in the city, was first held in 1957 and it boasts of several stars. BCC West Park, Nga Chronicle, Rebels FC, Matabeleland High City, Mpilo United and Golden Hotspurs will battle it out for the winners trophy.
Bafa vice chairman Charles Chunda said they expected fans to come in their numbers.
“This is an annual event which has over the years attracted large crowds and we expect the same this year,” said Chunda.
He said the organizers also expected Ingwebu Breweries and Zero Supplies that once sponsored the tournament, to come on board this year.
In Pool A, BBC West Park will clash with Nga Chronicle in the first round with the winner taking on Rebels FC in the semi-finals.
Matabeleland High City will take on Mpilo United with the winners playing against the defending champions Golden Hotspurs in the next round.
Golden Hotspurs and Rebels FC will resume their campaign at the semi-final stage by virtue of being the last year’s finalists.
Former Highlanders player and Golden Hotspurs manager Shepherd Mabaleka said they would defend the title.
“We still have the same players as last year so we can still do well and defend our title but we are not taking other teams lightly,” said Mabaleka.
Andile Khumalo, Freeman Ncube and Mabaleka are expected to be at their best for Golden Hotspurs.
Last year winners and runners-up received kits.
All matches to kick off at 9am.
Fixtures
Pool A: BCC West Park v Nga Chronicle
Pool B: Matabeleland High City v Mpilo United
Semifinals:
Winners Pool A v Rebels FC, Winners Pool B v Golden Hotspurs
Online Reporter