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Nkosilathi Sibanda
BANTU Rovers is set to put up a strong challenge in its defence of the Bulawayo Province Junior League Serie A season opener — the Emakhandeni Legends that kicks off this Saturday.Emakhandeni Legends junior tournament is bankrolled by former football players Mthulisi Sibanda, Albert Tiago, Elias Ngoma, Nhlanhla “Khandalebhasi” Ndlovu, Mlungisi Moyo and business concern Sivori tours.

Teams that finished in the top eight last season will battle it out for the coveted trophy in what is likely to be a sweat breaker at the weekend at Emakhandeni grounds.

On Monday, team representatives witnessed the draw at Zifa Bulawayo offices where Bantu Rovers will face off against Lobengula Miracle Centre. Chicken Inn take on Mpumelelo.

Last year’s runners up Highlanders meet the hosts Emakhandeni. Mpopoma’s Ajax Hotspurs are to play against Talent Vision.

One of tournament benefactors, Sibanda said this year’s tournament, which is bankrolled by South Africa-based former footballers from Emakhandeni suburb, will be the 2015 juniors’ season opener.

“The launch for this year’s edition of the Emakhandeni Legends tournament was held on Monday and I must say that we’re grateful for the support from Zifa. All the invited team representatives were present for the draw. This shows how committed the teams are towards the tournament.

“As benefactors we promise to run the tournament professionally and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders involved. The aim is to encourage young, gifted players never to give up on football,” Sibanda said.

The tournament sponsors said they had sourced medals for all the teams.

Mkhululi Mthunzi, Zifa Bulawayo province board member called on former footballers elsewhere to organise similar tournaments so as to grow the sport in the city.

“Emakhandeni Legends junior tournament is now our season opener. We agreed in principle with the sponsors that this tourney has to be a perennial feature on the football calendar.

“We’re thankful for the continual funding given to our future stars by these former players from Emakhandeni suburb. If only other legends follow suit, then our football would be great,” he said.