Online Reporter
Onward Gangata [email protected]
CENTRAL Region Soccer League chairperson Patrick Hill has hailed the launch of the Dream Inn and GMI Super 8 Challenge Cup as a major endorsement of the league.
The Central Region received a huge boost on Saturday night when gold magnet Shepherd Chahwanda, through his two business entities, launched the cup tournament to the tune of US$16 000.
Eight teams will feature in the knockout tournament, with the finals scheduled to be played at Chahwanda Stadium later this season.
Hill said the development was a great show of confidence in the league and will help grow the sport in the region.
“This is a massive development for our football in the region,” he said.
“The sponsorship is very significant to the region; it shows that we are on the right direction. This will go a long way in developing football and we are hopeful more sponsors will come aboard.”
Dream Inn and GMI general manager, Charles Chahwanda, noted that their organisation was proud to be associated with the growth of sport in the country.
“As an organisation, we are proud to be associated and to invest in a tournament that celebrates sporting excellence.
“We hope that this marks the beginning of a long partnership because for us successful businesses have an obligation to contribute to the communities they operate,” said Chahwanda.
The tournament will kick off at the quarter-finals stage and will see Chapungu and Tongogara renew their rivalry in what has been dubbed ‘The military derby.’
This will be the third time that the two uniformed forces sides play each other this season, having previously clashed in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup and the league.
Both matches ended in draws, with Chapungu emerging victors via a penalty shootout in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
Another derby will take place in Gwanda where Gwanda Pirates and West Nicholson will square off.
Log leaders Blanket Mine will host Kwekwe side Grain Tigers while the last match will be between Kwekwe United and Super Strikers.
Quarter-Finals Draw:
Chapungu v Tongogara, Blanket Mine v Grain Tigers, Kwekwe United v Super Strikers, West Nicholson v Gwanda Pirates
