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Fungai Muderere in Bulawayo
SOUTH Africa’s First Division outfit Black Leopards have written a letter courting the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League’s Bulawayo clubs for a proposed series of international matches early next month.
Black Leopards want to play against Arenel Movers, Highlanders, Chicken Inn and Bulawayo Chiefs in an international friendly during the first two weeks of August in Zimbabwe.
In a letter dated July 15 written by Black Leopards chairman Tshifhiwa Thidiela, jointly addressed to all the local four clubs, Lidhodha Dhuva, as Leopards are affectionately known, wrote: “As you are aware, we are currently in our pre-season here in South Africa, as part of our preparations for the upcoming soccer season, we would like to visit our neighbouring Zimbabwe and play some matches with yourselves.
“The plan is to come and play during the first two weeks of August 2024. We are flexible and willing to cover our transport costs. However, we would request assistance with meals and accommodation, with the hope that during the matches your teams may keep 100 percent of the gate takings from the matches.”
Thidiela added: “We are aware that your soccer season is currently still on and it will not be possible to play the matches over the weekend, so we are requesting that you suggest suitable days that we may be able to play.
“As previously mentioned, we are flexible, so we may also suggest arrangements that could be possible and beneficial to all parties.
“We could also look forward to the possibility of return matches here in South Africa for your pre-season or whenever possible. This presents a good opportunity for all of us to forge relations and make it easier for player movement between our clubs and our countries.”
Highlanders chief executive officer Sihlangu Dlodlo acknowledged receiving the letter from Black Leopards and said they are yet to formally seek the greenlight from ZIFA and the PSL.
“Yes, Black Leopards have written to us intending to play a friendly match against us.
“We are willing to play them but that will be dependent upon what ZIFA and PSL will say.
“We need to do all the necessary requests as we only got this letter yesterday (Tuesday) and we are yet to approach ZIFA and PSL,” said Dlodlo.
Chicken Inn secretary-general Tavengwa Hara also confirmed receiving the Black Leopards proposal and said the Gamecocks executive committee were still to deliberate on the letter.
Similarly, Bulawayo Chiefs secretary-general Awakhiwe Nyoni said his management were still to discuss the invitation.
“It’s true that we received the letter from Black Leopards. It’s a great initiative. However, we are yet to sit down and deliberate on it as a club.
“As soon as we do that after being guided by the custodians of local football, we will respond to Black Leopard accordingly,” said Nyoni.
Arenel Movers administrator Juma Phiri, could, however, not be reached for comment.
South African clubs including giants Mamelodi Sundowns have over the years either travelled to Zimbabwe or hosted local teams in some international friendly matches as part of their pre-season preparations.
Online Reporter