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Siqokoqela Mphoko

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA vice-president Omega Sibanda is confident that supermarket chain Choppies would soon unveil a sponsorship package for a regional cup tournament.

Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko hinted in May that a football tournament bankrolled by Choppies would be unveiled as part of the supermarket chain’s contribution to the revival of Bulawayo through sport.

His son and Choppies managing director Siqokoqela Mphoko weighed in saying they would consult the football leadership in the Southern Region on how and when to run the tournament. He said the tournament would be known as the Choppies Cup.

However, two months later, football authorities in the region have still not heard from Choppies, but Sibanda is upbeat an announcement is imminent.

“We are still to hear from them (Choppies), but we are confident they will come through. Maybe they are still working on their budget, but as Zifa we trust and believe what the Vice President promised us and we know he will fulfil his promise,” said Sibanda.

It is not clear whether the cup will be contested for by Division One teams or the Bulawayo Province Division Two League.

Division One teams stretch up to Matabeleland North, while Division Two comprises of Bulawayo-based teams.

The Division Two League last held a tournament more than 10 years ago.