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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
ZIFA vice-president Omega Sibanda has urged Premier Soccer League players to desist from playing social games during the off-season if they want to prolong their professional careers.

Speaking at the Joe Tshuma Tournament held in Iminyela suburb on Sunday where he was guest of honour, Sibanda said the off-season should be a time for players to rest and not risk their careers by playing football against non-professionals.

“In as much as social soccer is highly entertaining, we encourage players plying their trade in the topflight league to stay away from social games. We have had situations where professional players have been injured while playing social soccer. Perhaps we should come up with sanctions for PSL players that get involved in social games. Social soccer must be for those over 30 years and non-professional players,” Sibanda said.

The Joe Tshuma tourney, the brain child of MP for Pelandaba-Mpopoma Joseph Tshuma, is aimed at unearthing talent in underprivileged communities in his constituency.

Matshobana FC won the tournament after beating Ndola Stars 5-4 on penalties after the match had ended nil-all in regulation time.

Matshobana walked away with $200, a soccer ball and full kit. Ndola Stars received $150, while the losing semi-finalists each took home $100.

Tshuma also donated a full kit to all participating teams.

@innocentskizoe