admin
Fungai Muderere
SOUTH Africa First Division One outfit, Black Leopards, are courting Highlanders, Chicken Inn, Bulawayo Chiefs and Arenel Movers for a series of international friendly matches.
They intend to play the matches in the first two weeks of next month in Zimbabwe.
In a letter dated July 15, written by Black Leopards chairman Tshifhiwa Thidiela, jointly addressed to all the four local clubs, Ldhodha Dhuva 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 own 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 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 to be able to also make it easier for player movement between our clubs and our countries.”
Highlanders chief executive, Sihlangu Dlodlo, acknowledged receiving the letter from Black Leopards.
“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, said they have received the letter.
Chiefs secretary-general, Awakhiwe Nyoni, said:
“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.
Online Reporter