adminLG FOODS director Lawrence Gwati has committed his company to increasing sponsorship for next year’s edition of the Zifa Southern Region LG Foods after one team failed to travel due to financial constraints.
Hwange-based Technosphere asked to be excused from the tournament as they had to fulfil a fixture in Bulawayo against Ajax Hotspurs due to financial constraints, they cited a huge travelling schedule in their league matches.
The inaugural 16-team tournament is being bankrolled to the tune of $12 000 by LG Foods.
Gwati expressed satisfaction with the overall progression of the tournament but was concerned about the failure by Technosphere to travel for the game. He said it would have been good had all the matches been fulfilled but added he understood the position that Technosphere were in.
“I am genuinely concerned about Technosphere’s failure to travel for the scheduled game because of financial difficulties, unfortunately the budget had already been set and we couldn’t put further money into the tournament but it is an issue we are looking into.
“We have already made a decision to increase the funding for the tournament next year although we are yet to arrive at a figure,” said Gwati.
Technosphere are involved in the Premier Soccer League promotion fight and were scheduled to travel outside Hwange for three league matches as the race for the Division One championship reaches its climax.
LG Foods had, however, provided transport allowances for some teams that took part in the first round of the competition that was played in the weekend of 18-19 October. Zifa Bulawayo Province, Third Division side, Toronto, was one of the teams whose travels were financed by LG.
Toronto were beaten 3-1 by Trumus in Victoria Falls.
“Next year the tournament will be bigger and better and there won’t be any games cancelled because of transport issues. Football is in my blood, I love the sport a lot and will ensure that all games are played next year.
“I am committing myself because I love soccer so much and believe such tournaments as the LG trophy provide further incentives and motive players more,” he said.
The first round of the tourney saw Plumtree Chiefs make it to the quarter-finals after knocking out FC LG Foods Vultures 4-0, Ntabazinduna beat Casmyn 3-0, ZPC Hwange made it through courtesy of a 3-0 win over Amagagasi, Tsholotsho dispatched Makomo 4-2 on penalties while Blackboots beat BCC Golden Stars 1-0 and Hwange Under-19 made it 2-0 over Talen Vision.
Ajax Hotspurs is in the quarter-finals after Technosphere withdraw from the competition.
The winner of the tournament is scheduled to walk away with $2 000 and a floating trophy, while losing finalists will get $1 500 and semi-finalists will smile all the way to the bank with $750. There are prizes for player of the tournament, top goal scorer and goalkeeper of the tournament, who would be given $200 each for their efforts.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter