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Mzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
THE annual Horsepower Off-Season Soccer Tournament failed to kick off on Saturday due to heavy rains and now hangs in the balance as clubs have started their pre-season training.The tournament’s founder and organiser, Madodana “Horsepower” Tshabangu blamed the heavy downpour for the failure in kicking off the competition.
“We couldn’t play over the weekend because of the rains, so we have decided to move the day to a later date. The grounds were muddy and that posed a risk to players,” said Tshabangu.
At least 16 teams were expected to compete at the popular social soccer tourney. The tournament has been a traditional off-season football attraction that has been followed by football enthusiasts since inception 14 years ago. Tshabangu said if they fail to get playing fields, they are going to forgo this year’s edition.
“We are running out of time because the season is about to start, so we will see whether to do away with this edition or not. The other issue has been the venue, we had identified McKeurten Primary School for the competition but now the challenge is that there are more teams and there is one ground. If we fail to get grounds around the city we will have no option but to cancel the competition,” he said.
Tshabangu bemoaned the decision by Bulawayo City Council to charge $14 per hour for the traditional home of the tournament, Njube Desert Ground.
Besides being a social competition, 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.
Online Reporter