adminRaymond Jaravaza
THE Zimbabwe National Army will engage the Premier Soccer League to increase the number of teams that take part in the ZNA Charities Shield to include all 16 top flight football clubs.
Under the current format only eight teams take part in the tournament that raises funds for a number of charities run by the Zimbabwe National Army.
Highlanders beat Harare City FC 4-2 on penalties at Barbourfields Stadium last Sunday to win the 2016 edition pocketing $12 000 while the losing finalists collected $8 000.
Speaking at a dinner organised for the two teams and invited dignitaries after the Sunday finals ZNA commander Lieutenant General Philip Valerio Sibanda said the tournament has been growing in leaps and bounds since its inception four years ago and the organisers would continue to explore other avenues to grow the tournament.
a�?We started off with four teams then increased to eight, we will engage the Premier Soccer League with a view of including all the 16 teams in the next tournament. The various charities that we fundraise for are an integral part of the Zimbabwe National Army and we will continue exploring various avenues to raise more funds,a�? said Sibanda.
The first ZNA Charities Shield was played in 2013.
This yeara��s tournament grossed $100 000 from the seven matches played.
The Zimbabwe National Army has numerous charities which include Tsanga Lodge Convalescent Centre in Nyanga for the rehabilitation of injured members of the uniformed forces. Civilians are occasionally accepted into the centre.
There is also the ZNA Benevolence Fund for the welfare of troops on internal and international operations. The ZNA also runs five secondary and 12 primary schools.
Then there is the Widow and Orphans Charity Fund which takes care of the widows and widowers of the deceased soldiers before they receive terminal benefits.
Online Reporter