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Curtworth Masango
PSL president Farai Jere has encouraged clubs to take the Chibuku Super Cup tournament seriously as it provides them with an avenue to play in the CAF inter-clubs tournaments.
This year’s tournament gets underway tomorrow with a double header of preliminary round matches at Mandava.
TelOne will lock horns with Arenel in a midday kick-off while Chegutu Pirates will take on Hwange at 3pm.
The winners will join 14 other teams in the second round of the prestigious tournament, bankrolled by Delta Beverages, for US$375 000.
Dynamos are the defending champions.
In an interview with Zimpapers Sport, Jere said:
“We are encouraging our clubs to take this competition seriously.
“It gives you the ticket to the Confederation Cup and it’s the reason why Dynamos will be playing ZESCO United of Zambia.
“We need very competitive teams to represent us as it is an opportunity for the country to exhibit our talent and that’s why it should be taken seriously.”
Jere said the decentralisation of the tournament, by hosting matches at different venues across the country, has allowed the game to grow as there is an increase in attendance.
“Our fans were travelling away for home matches, which limited the number of people who attended our matches last season.
“The issue of stadiums was discouraging but now our PSL games have witnessed a big rise with more than 50 percent.
“When the sponsor comes in, they will look at us and see how many people are coming to the stadiums and watching online, as it reflects their potential customers.”
“So, it all has to do with brand visibility and brand awareness.
“And, the coming in of Wadzanai, Rufaro, Sakubva, and the Heart Stadium have been the significant game changer in these aspects.
“All this infrastructure, which was added, has made a big difference.
“We are grateful to Delta Beverages for being there during all these difficult years,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter