The Sunday News
Mbekezeli Ncube Sports Reporter
THE draw for the 59th edition of the popular Bafa Townsend and Butcher tournament which roars into life today was conducted on Friday. The tournament involves teams affiliated to the Bulawayo Amateur Football Association (Bafa). A total of 16 teams will take part in this year’s edition which will see new champions being crowned since defending champions Golden Hotspurs did not register for this season.
The tournament sponsor who is also Townsend and Butcher director, Peter Leondios pledged $3 000 for the tourney in which the best four teams will walk away with full sets of uniforms. Leondios said the trophy was part of the tradition of his enterprise and it was something he wanted to see continuously happening.
“I have introduced my son to start being involved with the cup, in the near future he will be the one doing all the work with Bafa. I pledge to continue supporting this tournament and prolonged partnership with Bafa. The tournament is important to us as it reflects the relation we have with the community and it has become a tradition we will never want to part with,” he added.
Bafa vice-chairman Charles Chunda warned the teams against using Zimbabwe Football Association registered players during the tournament. “There are some teams that I don’t want to mention by name that use players registered under Zifa. This time around, we expect players only registered with Bafa to take part in this tournament and some measures will be taken on those who will try to cheat,” said Chunda.
Fixtures:
Rebels FC v Securico; Laduma v FBC Falcons; Madamara v Eleven Stars; Mpilo United v NGA Chronicle; Crusaders v Dynamic Diesel; Unity Village v Sporting Vipers; Safeguard v Anolle Castings; United FC v Seven Warriors.
