Chronicle Editor
Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
SPONSORS of the annual Southern Region Division One Soccer League’s end of season Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Invitational Cup, Trukumb Mining Enterprises, have put the tournament on hold citing financial constraints.
The company, which started bankrolling the tournament in 2016, chose to refocus its attention to “chipping” into a developmental competition that will draw eight teams from Bulawayo, Filabusi and Gwanda.
Trukumb Mining Enterprises pumped $20 000 into the tournament, $10 000 in 2016 and $10 000 last season.
Juma Phiri, spokesperson for Trukumb, said Zifa Southern Region was informed about the decision to shelve the tournament.
“Unfortunately, the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Invitational Cup is not there this year and Zifa Southern Region was informed about this decision sometime ago. Once the sponsor decides to come back they will communicate accordingly,” Phiri said.
Besides financial challenges, Chronicle Sport has it on good authority that Trukumb felt its efforts to help develop football were going down the drain by concentrating in the First Division.
The 35 percent of the sponsorship package was used for administrative costs. The prize schedule was $6 500, with $3 500 going to administrative costs of running the tournament.
Meanwhile, Phiri said preparations for the inaugural Talen Vision Food Court Eight team tournament set for Filabusi on November 10-11 are at an advanced stage.
Teams that will participate in the Filabusi tournament are Bhekeni Celtics and Talen Vision Under-20, who play in the Zifa Bulawayo Province Division Three, Mbembesi FC and Filabusi United. Four teams from Gwanda North and South will also compete in the $2 500 sponsored tournament.
“Our partners in the UK have already sent the medals, warm-up T-shirts for all teams and the playing kit for the winners to be accompanied by $600 prize money. The tournament is meant to give youngsters an opportunity to shine and play for something,” said Phiri.
He said they will invite coaches from the First Division to scout for talent at the Filabusi tournament. — @ZililoR
Online Reporter