Bob 92 Cup called off

Ishemunyoro Chingwere
THE Bob 92 Super Cup final was called off yesterday after Dynamos withdrew demanding their dues from last year’s tournament while efforts by the organisers to rope in Caps United failed to yield positive results.
Makepekepe had agreed to travel to Bulawayo to play Bosso as “show of respect to President Mugabe” but confusion persisted, forcing the organisers to call off the tie.
Bob Super Cup organising committee spokesperson Charles Mabika confirmed the “rescheduling” of the tournament to a later date. Initially we reached an impasse with Dynamos following the non-payment of the winner’s purse last year then talked to Caps United who agreed to slot in.
“But then we later felt that the last minute adjustments to the participants would not augur well for the successful hosting of the tournament.
“That is when we decided that it is best that we reschedule to a later date. We would like to apologise to all stakeholders and especially the fans for this postponement.
“We really sympathise with Dynamos and the other clubs because they deserve to be rewarded for taking part in last year’s edition. However, it must be noted that the non-payment of last year’s prize monies was caused by events that were beyond our control,” said Mabika.
Dynamos president Kenias Mubaiwa had no kind words for the organisers whom he accused of attempting to make money out his club’s popularity.
“We won the tournament last year but we did not get our prize money. What we are simply telling them is that Dynamos is refusing to be used.
“If they give us the $50 000 they owe usm we will get onto the road to Bulawayo.
“We are in support of the cause of this tournament but as Dynamos we feel they (organizers) want to use our big brand for their financial benefit.
“Football is our business, football should make money for the club, not the other way round. The organizers rake in money from gate takings because Dynamos would have lured the crowd but they do not want to pay us,” fumed Mubaiwa.
Although Highlanders chief executive Ndumiso Gumede said his club was prepared to fulfill the fixture even against Caps United, close sources said the Bulawayo side felt that the withdrawal of DeMbare took the gloss out of the cup.
“Highlanders had agreed to play against Caps United but they later changed their minds and said they won’t be able to realise much from gate takings if their bitter rivals are not involved,” said the source.
Yesterday’s setback will likely exert pressure on the Bob Super Cup Organising Committee led by former Dynamos chairman Stan Kasukuwere.
The committee has previously been accused of conducting business in a way that does not befit a tourney played in honour of President Mugabe.