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Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
THE Townshend and Butcher Trophy is set to incorporate teams from other Zifa Area Zones Bulawayo affiliated teams instead of Bulawayo Amateur Football Association teams only.
Over the years, the Townshend and Butcher Trophy has become the flagship knockout tournament of the Bafa League but this year six teams from the other Area Zones affiliates that include Ntabazinduna Football Association, Wolanani Football League and Bulawayo Christian League will be part of the draw.
Zifa Southern Regions Area Zones chairman, Charles Chunda said following the affiliation of several teams to their section they felt it proper to extend participation to other teams that fall in their purview.
“The Townshend and Butcher Trophy has always been one of the biggest trophies and following the restructuring of the Area Zones we felt it would be best to spread the wings of the tournament and involve other teams that have affiliated with us.
“We are going to have 10 teams from Bafa with the other six coming from the other three affiliate leagues. Those from outside Bulawayo will have to travel for the games as all matches will be played here next weekend after the draw that will be held on Wednesday,” he said.
Willowgate and Hilltop are the two teams from Ntafa that will be part of the draw while Christian League has contributed Flying Stars and Victory Fellowship with Lochard and Sondelani from Wolanani also taking part in the contest.
The top 10 teams from Bafa that will also go into the hat for the draw include Rebels, Safeguard, Unity Village, NGA, Mpilo United, Mat High City, United, Lobels, Joker and Anolle Castings.
The draw is set to be held at Townshend and Butcher Sports Shop in the Bulawayo CBD.
“We are grateful to Townshend and Butcher proprietor, Panayiotis Peter Leondios for his continued support and acceding to our request for the new format. We are looking forward to an exciting tournament this year,” added Chunda.
Online Reporter