The Sunday News
TOWNSHEND and Butcher Trophy defending champions, Hotspurs have vowed to retain the coveted Bulawayo Amateur Football Association crown as the tournament kicks off this morning.
Hotspurs manager Clifford Magwanya said they will be pulling all stops to ensure they defended the most prestigious cup in Bafa when they kick off their campaign against Mpilo at Barbourfields Outside Grounds.
Hotspurs will be gunning for a record sixth win and Magwanya said they were ready for action.
“We have won this tourney five times before and this year we are going to make it six. We have been playing well in the league we are on position three with a game in hand and I believe we can go far. The Townshend and Butcher Trophy is the most celebrated cup in Bafa and it is every team’s dream to win it, we are prepared to retain it,” said Magwanya, adding that they were only wary of Safeguard, a team that had proved to be a strong side while last year’s losing finalists Madamara and 2013 winners Rebels were unlikely to pose any threat due to poor organisation.
“Log leaders, Unity Village are organised but they are not strong as we managed to beat them in the two legs by the same scoreline of 3-1 while Rebels and Madamara seem to be suffering from poor organisation this year but Safeguard have shown some mettle after we drew with them 4-4,” said Magwanya.
The draw for the 58th edition of the tournament was held on Wednesday at the Townshend and Butcher premises and the cup competition will involve all the 16 teams in the league.
The winner of the trophy will this year walk away with a full kit set including stockings, gold medals and $150 in cash while the losing finalist is set to be awarded a full kit and $100.
Bronze medalists and the fourth placed team will take home a full kit without socks and $75 and $50 in cash respectively. There will be individual prizes that will include top goal scorer, player of the tournament, goalkeeper of the tournament, with the most disciplined team walking away with a shield.
Fixtures
Securico v Eleven Stars, Unit Village v Bulawayo Tigers, BayiBayi v United FC, Madamara v Entumbane FC, Crusaders v Safe Guard, Hotspurs v Mpilo, Rebels FC v Seven Warriors, Anolle Castings v Nga Chronicle.
