Football, netball return in Inyathi tourney

01 Jan, 2023 - 00:01 0 Views
Football, netball return in Inyathi tourney Kumbulani Moyo

The Sunday News

Mehluli Sibanda, Sports Editor 

BADALA Business Centre in Inyathi promises to be buzzing with excitement today when the annual Royal Cup, a football as well as netball tournament makes a massive return with two matches lined up on the day. 

The tournament has been a regular feature since 2014 on New Year’s Day, with the only time it did not take place being at the beginning of 2021 at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Last year, a low key event took place where Shooting Stars defeated Inyathi Pirates 2-1 in the final. Inyathi Pirates are the defending champions in  netball. 

With Covid-19 regulations having been relaxed, a huge crowd is expected to witness the final this afternoon.

Yesterday,  six football teams, Shooting Stars, Inyathi Pirates, Mahlabathini, Black Swallows, Best and Young Stars took to the field in the preliminary round of fixtures that will culminate in the semi-finals as well as the final today. For the netball, there are four teams taking part. 

Prince Dube when he played for Shooting Stars

The tournament has a sponsorship package of R50 000. It is sponsored by South Africa-based businessman Kumbulani Moyo together with his brother Mphilisi. Kumbulani is the director of Royal People Investments which runs a farming venture in Inyathi while Mphilisi operates a cross-border transport business between Zimbabwe and South Africa. 

Prizes are in the form of cash, football kits, soccer balls and netball kits. There will be accolades for the winning teams, players and even spectators in what promises to be an exciting day. 

“The tournament is jointly sponsored by Izandla Ziyagezana Tours and also Royal Farm, that is a farm that we currently running. It’s still the same tournament that used to be sponsored by K Moyo,’’ Kumbulani Moyo said. 

Players like Prince Dube, now with Azam Football Club of Tanzania have previously played in this tournament when he appeared for Shooting Stars, with his last appearance being at the start of 2016 before he made his senior team debut for Highlanders. 

Follow on Twitter @Mdawini_29.

Share This:

Survey


We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey

This will close in 20 seconds