Organisers allay Supa Power Cup fears

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
ORGANISERS of the Supa Power Cup four-team tournament set for Botswana have allayed fears of a repeat of the 2012 debacle that saw participating clubs not immediately receiving their prize money as promised.

It took more than half a year for the clubs to finally get their dues, with Joy Foundation, who run the tournament, blaming the Botswana Football Association’s failure to endorse the four-team tourney resulting in their sponsors also pulling out at the last minute.

This forced the organisers to bank on gate takings in order to meet the clubs’ demands, but only P74 000 was realised from gate takings, according to the founder of Joy Foundation, Joy Setshedi.

The four clubs, Gaborone United, Ecco City Greens, Gunners and Extension were promised P50 000 each in appearance fees, while winners were to walk away with P100 000.

Speaking ahead of the second launch of this year’s tournament that will be held in Bulawayo on Friday, Setshedi said there won’t be a repeat of the 2012 debacle.

This year’s tournament will have Highlanders, Dynamos, Tafic and Mochudi Centre Chiefs. Highlanders will take on Mochudi Centre Chiefs, while Dynamos were drawn against Tafic.

“This time we guaranteed them (Highlanders and Dynamos) that they will be given the money before coming to Botswana. The 2012 tournament encountered problems after someone from BFA NEC called our sponsors and advised them that they did not give us the permission to host the event, but this time around we have the guarantee from the BFA. The only fear which our sponsors had was the Zimbabwean sides not coming, but since they were both here for the launch, they are convinced that everything is moving well,” said Setshedi.

The organisers have undertaken to provide tracksuits for all participating teams in addition to the P5 000 appearance fee per player.

There is, however, no prize money for the winning side, with winners set to get a trophy and medals. According to Setshedi, there will be monetary reward for the winners next year and the tournament might also involve ladies’ sides.

The main aim of the tournament is to raise funds for the development of a sports academy in Mochudi, Dinkgwana Ward, and Setshedi told the Botswana media recently that her Foundation had acquired land to develop into a multi-facet sports facility.

@skhumoyo2000