Horse Power football tourney bounces back

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter

THE Horse Power football tournament is back.
Since its inception in late 90s to early 2000s the competition grew to be a known festive season football fiesta.
The tournament brought football fans to Njube suburb as they watched top flight players slug it out.
However, with realisation of the dangers posed by such off-season football it ended up losing its allure.
In the last few years the tournament has not been held owing to financial challenges.
Madodana “Horsepower” Tshabangu, the brains behind the once popular off season tournament, has since announced its return with the goal this time being talent identification.

“The tournament is meant to entertain people especially youngsters during the festive season, it will also keep them from danger as most crimes are recorded in the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. This is not social football. This is about exposing young talent. We want to see some of the youngsters shine at this competition,” said Tshabangu.
“The draw for the tournament will be held on 22 December at Hlanganani in Tshabalala with the tournament getting underway the next day at White City Stadium. We will use both the main arena and the B-arena at White City Stadium.

Unity Village, Unforgettable, Queens Park, Makokoba, Mzilikazi, Njube Select, Magwegwe Marisha, Mpopoma, Entumbane, Makhandeni, Pumula, Nketa Select, Lobengula and Iminyela are the confirmed teams for now. Affiliation fees are pegged at 35 dollars and can be paid at Toppers opposite the High Court,” said Tshabangu.
A former footballer himself, Tshabangu also known as Sepp Blatter in local social football circles played for clubs like Context in 1974, Rhodal Football Club in 1976 and in 1978 he joined Super League side Gweru United before hanging up his boots the following year.

He played alongside now late former Highlanders legends Ernest “Maphepha” Sibanda and Titus Majola at Context.
The Horsepower tournament has been used for talent identification. International stars like Benjani Mwaruwari, Mkhokheli Dube, Vusa Nyoni and Honour Gombami have graced the tournament in past editions.
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