adminRaymond Jaravaza
EIGHT rural teams are set to battle it out in the annual Jonah Football Tournament with a total of R20 000, medals and kits up for grabs at Nyabane, Plumtree on 24 and 25 December.
The tournament is bankrolled by South Africa-based businessman Jonathan Ndlovu.
To give the tournament relevance the organisers have partnered with the Bulawayo Legends a�� a football team made up of former Premiership players who are now coaches at various clubs a�� to attend and scout for talent.
Among the Bulawayo Legends are coaches such as Johannes Ngodzo, the Zifa Southern Region championship winning gaffer with Bantu Rovers, former Tsholotsho FC technical manager Joel Luphahla, Bantu Rovers Under-16 coach Agent Sawu, Highlanders development coach Gift Lunga Junior and Zifa education officer Brian Moyo.
a�?There is always talk about the talent in rural teams and schools but few people make an effort to try and identify that talent so we hope this tournament which will be attended by a number of Bulawayo based coaches will unearth a number of players.
a�?Plumtree does not have a team playing in the Zifa lower leagues and the only way to revive football in the area is through tournaments such as the Jonah Football Tournament. The only football activity we have is in the form of social soccer tournaments that are in most instances poorly organised and do not offer a platform for young players to show off their talent.
a�?R20 000 has been set aside for prizes for the winning team, runners up and individual awards,a�? said tournament spokesman Chalton Gumede.
The Bulawayo Legends will curtain raise against a team known as Plumtree Legends before the final match on Christmas Day.
Entertainment will be provided by popular musician Clement Magwaza.
Participating teams:
Kombani FC, Nyabane A, Nyabane B, Hlangulani, Plumtree Chiefs, Bangani, Manda and Marula .
Online Reporter