adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
THE Yadah TV Knock-out Cup semi-finals at Gwanzura are likely to make history as the first Division One matches to be broadcast live on national television.
It’s likely to be the start of a relationship between the Zifa Northern Region and ZTV which will see Division One matches being screened live on national television.
The two parties have been negotiating for the past few weeks and appear to have finally struck a deal in what could be another major coup for the Zifa Northern Region Division One League leadership.
Mushowani Stars will take on Gunners at Gwanzura while ZRP FC take on Ngezi Platinum in a double-header at the same venue.
The semi-finals were initially pencilled for last week but were moved to this weekend.
“We are in negotiations with a broadcaster, who wants to bring those games live on TV,” said Zifa Northern Region chairman Willard Manyengavana.
“So they have to be played at the same venue because of some logistical problems we cannot afford to broadcast them from different venues.
“We have to make some final touches with the broadcaster but we are hoping it will happen and the agreement will be successful by Saturday.”
Gunners and Mushowani have clashed twice in the league this season with Gunners winning the first encounter 1-0.
They then drew 0-0 in the reverse fixture.
Mushowani coach, Paul “Popopo” Chimalizeni, said this was a game they badly need to win.
“We are going there for a victory, we need to win,” said Chimalizeni.
“We are playing Gunners, we have met before (in the league) and the last time we met we drew.
“So, this time, it’s very interesting because it’s a Cup game and at the end of the game there must be a winner and a loser.
“I am very confident we are going to win because of the morale in our camp. For the past nine games, including a Cup game, we have not lost a match.”
Mushowani will be missing defender Arthur Mafulisa and striker McDonald Tayengwa due to injuries.
The winning teams in tomorrow’s games will progress to the finals to be played on November 29 and the winner of this inaugural tournament will walk away with US$8 000.
Yadah TV semi-finals at Gwanzura.
Tomorrow: Ngezi Platinum v ZRP Football Club (1pm), Mushowani v Gunners (3pm)
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