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Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
DEFENDING Townshend and Butcher Trophy champions, Safeguard are on course to defending their title after hammering fellow Bulawayo Amateur Football Association (Bafa) side, Lobels in the opening round of the 62nd edition of the annual knock-out tournament.
Safeguard showed they will be taking no prisoners in their quest to retain the trophy as they clobbered Lobels 7-0.
Today they are up against Hilltop in the first quarter-final to be played at Barbourfields Outside Grounds. Hilltop, who are in the Ntabazinduna Football Association will fancy their chances and would be hoping to upset the apple cart and proceed to the semi-finals ahead of Safeguard.
Rebels, who laboured to a 3-2 victory over Anolle Castings, take on Christian League’s Flying Stars who beat Sondelani 3-0 in the first round. Unity Village are up against Mat High City while Joker FC will have to contend with Lochard for a place in the semi-finals.
Mat High City made it to the quarters at the expense of NGA whom they beat 3-1 while Unity Village saw off Mpilo United 2-0 with Lochard having the better of Victory Fellowship 4-2.
Joker beat Ntafa side, Willowgate 4-1. Area Zones chairman, Charles Chunda said they are happy with the first round and looking forward to exciting duels this morning.
“The teams played well and showed eagerness to clinch the trophy. The new format saw huge interest coming in from other leagues that have not previously been taking part in the trophy.
“The quarter-finals promise to be more exciting as teams fight to make it to the semis,” he said.
The Townshend and Butcher Trophy matches will be played every weekend until the finals which is scheduled for 13 October.
The knock-out tournament was previously a preserve of Bafa teams but with the restructured Area Zones, this year they decided to incorporate teams from other Zifa Area Zones Bulawayo affiliated leagues.
Online Reporter