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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
AS reported by Chronicle Sport earlier this month, BancABC have officially confirmed that they have pulled out of the Premier Soccer League’s annual Sup8r Knockout tournament.The PSL was, however, quick to assure the nation that the tournament would be held this year under a new sponsor. In an e-mailed confirmation by the bank’s head of marketing and communications Muriel Dowa, the bank said it was reviewing and re-aligning its football sponsorship.
“Please be advised that we will not be hosting the Sup8r tournament this year, the bank will be reviewing and re-aligning football sponsorship. We will, however, continue with the other soccer sponsorships that form part of our social investments,” said Dowa.
Premier Soccer League chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele while acknowledging that BancABC left an indelible mark in local football, said the league would have the Super Eight tournament but declined to shed more light on the identity of the sponsor.
“We really would like to thank BancABC for the support they gave us, we are happy that they are still involved in football with their sponsorship of two clubs in our league. Indeed they left a mark in the history of domestic football,” said the Premiership’s head of secretariat.
The bank pulled out after only renewing its relationship with the league last season, having taken a sabbatical in 2011. Introduced and won by Caps United in 2008, the tournament was marred by controversy at the semi-final stage in 2010 after a clash involving traditional rivals Highlanders and Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium.
The tie was abandoned in the 73rd minute due to bad light after walkouts by the two teams. A committee was set up to deliberate on the issue that saw a re-match being set for Baghdad Stadium in Kwekwe but the Harare giants appealed against the decision and the match was eventually set for the National Sports Stadium.
Highlanders turned up, so did the referees but there was no sign of Dynamos. The Zifa appeals committee booted out Highlanders on a 3-0 scoreline, paving the way for the Harare giants to go all the way to the final and win it.
Shabanie Mine, who beat neighbours FC Platinum 5-3 on penalties last year, will now keep the trophy for good. For their sweat, the former asbestos miners, then coached by Luke Masomere, pocketed $120,000 while FC Platinum received $70,000.
Shabanie Mine captain Tafadzwa Mombeshora was voted Player of the Tournament and received a trophy and $1,000 prizemoney. There was also a trophy and $1,000 prizemoney for the goalkeeper of the Tournament which went to Shabanie Mine’s Victor Twaliki. Dynamos’ Russell Madamombe and Tarisai Rukanda of Shabanie Mine shared the $1,000 for the Golden Boot award cash.
Past winners of the BancABC Sup8r Cup:
CAPS United (2008), Lengthens (2009), Dynamos (2010), Motor Action (2011), Shabanie Mine (2013).
Online Reporter