Mbongeni Ncube/ Raymond Jaravaza
LOCAL grassroots football got a shot in the arm after the Zifa Bulawayo Province in partnership with ex- footballers unveiled an eight-team Under 18 tournament to be staged in Emakhandeni suburb on the Easter weekend of 26 to 27 March.
The tournament is organised by former players based in Emakhandeni and bankrolled by Costa Nkala, a Zimbabwean based in the United Kingdom.
Tsholotsho FC technical manager Joel Luphahla, who represented his club during the draw, said they were elated to be part of the tournament.
The Tsholotsho Under-18 team, invited for the first time to feature in the tourney, will play against Talen Vision to qualify for the eight-team tournament. If Tsholotsho win they will play in group D against Highlanders who are coached by former senior team assistant gaffer Melusi Sibanda.
a�?Being a young club we are happy to be invited to take part in such tournaments which give our youngsters a chance to play against the best teams in Bulawayo. We will play Talen Vision at White City and hopefully get a good result to qualify into the eventual tournament,a�? said Luphahla.
Speaking at the draw Zifa Bulawayo Province board member Mkhululi Mthunzi called on clubs to shun age cheating.
Winners will walk away with a trophy, 22 gold medals, a complete soccer kit and two footballs.
The runners-up will take home two footballs and silver medals while there will also be individualsa�� medals for the goalkeeper of the tournament, top goal scorer and player of the tournament.
Group A
Mpumelelo Academy vs Emakhandeni
Group B .
Chicken Inn vs Bantu Rovers
Group C
Santos vs Sabona
Group D
Talen Vision vs Highlanders.
