adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports
WINNERS of the Independence Cup final between Dynamos and FC Platinum at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow will walk away with $15,000 while losing finalists are guaranteed $10,000.
For the third place play-off at Barbourfields Stadium on the same day pitting Highlanders and Harare City, $7,000 has been set aside for the victors with losers to get $5,000.
Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela confirmed the prize money yesterday saying it was wholly from the government.
“The prize money is all courtesy of the government as you are aware that these matches are part of the national 34th Independence celebrations, on its own a milestone occasion,” said Gwesela.
Dynamos, who beat Highlanders in last year’s final will be seeking to extend their winning record of the cup to an all time high of seven, as they are presently tied with their Bulawayo rivals Highlanders on six.
However, with the four cup participants travelling long distances for their crunch Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches next week, there is a high likelihood that fringe players will be thrown into the fray or those that have not seen action in the two weeks of Premiership matches.
The two finalists will be in Bulawayo on Monday, FC Platinum taking on Chicken Inn at Luveve Stadium while Bantu Rovers will be waiting for champions Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium.
Highlanders return to Chiredzi, venue for Kelvin Kaindu’s nightmare last season after he was given his marching orders under unclear circumstances against Triangle while Harare City will be back in the capital to face giant killers ZPC (Kariba).
Online Reporter