The Sunday News
THE Bulawayo Amateur Football Association league enters its fourth week this morning with eight matches lined up at Barbourfields Stadium’s grounds.
Bafa chairman Chris Mtungwazi said they have managed to increase the number of teams from last year’s six to 16.
He said the increase was expected to boost Bafa and bring in the glitter back to one of the oldest leagues in the country.
“We are happy more teams have come on board but we are still open to having more clubs in the league. Last year it was difficult to get partners to come on board and sponsor us because they saw no value due to the low number of teams but we are re-engaging our old ‘friends’ and seeking new ones. It was unfortunate we had to run with six teams, something which should not have happened considering Bafa’s illustrious history,” he said.
Mtungwazi said having more teams would give them room to engage more sponsors while at the same time re-engaging their old partners.
Last year’s six teams Rebels United, NGA, Golden Hotspurs, West Park, Mat High City and Mpilo United have been joined by Lion Stores, United FC, Securicor, Joshua Mqabuko Airport FC, Chuck Eleven, Madamara, Bayibayi, Poker Stars, Masokane and Paraguay.
Mtungwazi said convincing companies to partner them with only six teams was difficult but with more clubs taking part in the league, more companies were likely to reconsider partnering them.
“For instance, we have Ingwebu which has worked with Bafa since time immemorial but due to the low number of teams it has been a hard task trying to convince them coming back onboard. I understand last year they said they would only be interested sponsoring us if we have 12 teams and since there are already 16, then we are certainly re-engaging them.
“However, we are not just looking at the traditional supporters but we are looking for new partners to bring more rewards to the clubs. We would like to pay tribute to our all weather friend, Townsend and Butcher, who have stood by us irrespective of the number of teams we have,” he said.
Mtungwazi, however, said some teams were still to fully affiliate with the league.
He said they expected all teams to have paid the $50 registration fee before end of this month.
“We realised we could not be rigid and ask for payment upfront before teams could kick the ball. We felt clubs are committed to playing and the best route to follow would be to give them time to seek funds while playing. The executive has set 31 May as the deadline.
“We realised that it is important to put football in front instead of emphasising on the importance of money. We have to play the game as we find ways of overcoming our financial problems,” he said.
Fixtures:
Mpilo v United FC (9 am);
Hotspurs v Madamara (9 am);
Chuck Eleven v Masokane FC (9 am);
Lion Stores v NGA (9 am);
Mat High City v BCC Westpark (11 am);
Paraguay v JM Nkomo Airport (11 am);
Rebels v Securico (11 am);
Bayibayi v Poker Stars (11 am).
