Zimpapers Logo

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
FAST growing retail outlet Choppies Supermarket is set to unveil a new football sponsorship package as part of a broader strategy to revive Bulawayo through sports being spearheaded by Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko.

It could not be immediately established whether the new tournament would only be for teams in the Zifa Southern Region Division One or the Zifa Bulawayo province that runs Division Two and Three leagues.

Speaking at the inaugural City of Kings soccer tournament held at Barbourfields Stadium’s outside grounds on Sunday, VP Mphoko confirmed that the supermarket chain would bankroll a new tourney as part of its corporate social responsibility.

“We need to sponsor a tournament, but I’ll not say much on that one; someone else will,” said VP Mphoko to wild applause from football authorities.

Among the football leaders were Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda, Southern Region boss Musa Mandaza, his Bulawayo counterpart Francis Ntutha, board member Jabulani Chinyangarara, Ernest Maphepha Sibanda and Bantu Rovers director Methembe Ndlovu.

Choppies’ managing director Siqokoqela Mphoko said they would consult with football leaders on how the tournament will be run.

“As Choppies, we’re going to sponsor a football tournament; we will liaise with the likes of Sibanda (Omega) and Mandaza on this cup which will be known as Choppies Cup,” said Siqokoqela.

He said logistics of the tournament dates as well as the total package would be announced in due course.

The VP, however, wanted the gathering to be told the exact date and amount involved, but his son felt he was caught unawares and jokingly referred to his father’s comments as tantamount to an “ambush”.

“We want to thank the Vice President for this generous gesture; the football community is humbled by the decision to plough back into the community,” said Zifa vice-president Sibanda.