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Ngqabutho Moyo Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO Amateur Football Association (Bafa) league champions Rebels progressed to the second round of the Townshend and Butcher Tournament   after edging School of Mines 2-1 at Greenspan on Sunday.Rebels are the defending champions of the Townshend and Butcher tournament after beating Golden Hotspurs 2-1 in last year’s final.

Rebels coach Philani Mlotshwa said that he is confident that they will successfully defend their title.

“I am confident we will defend our title and hopefully carry on the spirit and finish victors of the league,” said Mlotshwa.

Chris Mtungwazi, the Bafa chairperson, said that the level of competition in this year’s edition of the tournament was higher. He said they were looking forward to the next round of the competition.

“There is great improvement in the level of competition in this year’s event, I am looking forward to the next round of the tournament,” said Mtungwazi.

Mtungwazi applauded the teams for their discipline during the first round of the knockout event.

“Games ended well without any problems from any team or players, I am very happy with the players’ discipline and looking forward to the next round of the tournament,” he said.

In other games Safe Guard stunned Lion Stores with a 3-0 win and Nga Chronicle dropped out of the race after losing 5-4 to BCC West Park in a penalty shootout while last year’s runners-up Golden Hotspurs thrashed Afrasia 3-0.

First round results

Bayi-Bayi 3-0 Masokane, Safe Guard 3-0 Lion Stores, Golden Hotspurs 3-0 Afrasia FC, United FC 4-3 Mpilo United, Nga Chronicle 1-1 BCC West Park (4-5 in a penalty shoot-out), Madamara FC 2-1 Poker Star, Chuck XI FC 4-1 Securico, Rebels FC 2-1 School of Mines.