Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, Sports Writer
GOLDEN Hotspurs have been crowned champions of the 2023 edition of the Townshend and Butcher trophy after edging Stars FC by one goal in a final played at White City Stadium yesterday.
Ignatius Sibanda converted from the penalty spot five minutes before full-time to separate the otherwise at par teams on the day.
On their way to the final Golden Hotspurs got the better of Safeguard 2-1 while FC Stars came out 3-1 victors over Mat High City in the semi-finals.
Run by the Bulawayo Amateur Football Association (Bafa), formerly the Bulawayo African Football Association, the grand tournament was marking its 66th anniversary.
It was first contested in 1957 and has been running since then with a number of top players having made their names in the competition.
Guest of honour at the final Charles Chunda hailed the sponsors for their continued support which has clocked 66 years.
“We are really grateful to the sponsors for showing us support every year. This tournament has over the years seen some of the best talent the country has produced play in it. We want to continue on that path in the years to come. To the teams, thank you for taking part in this event,” said Chunda.
Sponsor, Peter Leondis pledged to continue supporting the competition.
“Thank you to everyone who took part in the tournament and ensured it was a successful tournament. I
promise to continue with my support of this of this competition,” said Leondis.
The tournament has always been the leading competition for the amateurs in Bulawayo and at some stage Bafa had over five divisions of 16 teams each and was a hunting ground for teams that played under the football mother body then Rhodesia National Football League and later Zifa.
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