Mbada Cup still on, says Ndebele

Sports Reporter
THE Premier Soccer League insists that the Mbada Diamonds Cup will be played this year.
The tournament has been held over the last three years, but there has been speculation that it could be postponed this season.The tournament has transformed the face of domestic football because of its rich pickings and professional outlook.

PSL chief executive Kenny Ndebele said they were confident the tournament will go ahead as scheduled from October 18 to December 20.

Ndebele said, besides the Mbada Diamonds Cup, the league is hopeful of hosting all the major competitions this year.

“We can confirm that we are going to start our Cup competitions with the Super Eight tournament. We are just tying the loose ends and very soon we will be announcing details. There is also going to be the Chibuku Super Cup coming up next month.

“We are also hoping to have the Mbada Diamonds Cup later in the season. We engaged the sponsors at the beginning of the year, as is always the norm, and we are expecting to hear from them again.

“That is what has been happening over the years and at the moment we remain confident. They have the right to exercise refusal up to the end of July and as of now they haven’t said anything to the contrary,” said Ndebele.

The contract between the league and the Mbada Diamonds Cup sponsors is negotiated on a yearly basis.

Ndebele said the initial talks took place at the beginning of the year. An official from the diamond mining company said it was early to talk about the tournament.

“It’s difficult to comment about that issue because it’s too early. We have never talked about football issues related to the tournament in June ever since it was launched.”