Zimpapers Logo

Sukulwenkosi Dube, Plumtree Correspondent
THE month long Plumtree District Soccer League knockout tournament kicks off today with 16 local teams vying for the main prize that will be contested for on December 6.

League chairperson Chakudza Mutarika said the tournament comprises 10 teams from the league and six social sides and is part of a strategy by his committee to entice more teams to join the league.

“We have a number of well organised teams in Plumtree and surrounding areas but they are not part of our league. Our aim is to reach out to these teams and have them join the league by the beginning of next year,” said Mutarika.

“We want to increase the number and that is why we have organised this tournament and also opened it up to social clubs.”

He said they were targeting teams in Plumtree and the surrounding areas of Bulilima and Mangwe districts.

Participating teams each paid a $15 fee towards the tournament while the league committee approached the business community to fund the event.

“This is the third tournament our teams have participated in this year. The latest tournament was the Plumtree Bakery event, which assisted teams greatly as they received soccer balls and full kits.

“Sponsored tournaments help address resource constraints, which are faced by teams as a result of lack of funding.”

He said the league had developed significantly since its inception and the playing standards had improved. He said structures had also been put in place to run the league’s operations.

“We appreciate the support we are getting from the business community through sponsorship and hope they will continue supporting sporting activities in the district.

The Plumtree District Soccer League had collapsed last year, but was revived recently in an a move aimed at having some form of competitive soccer in the border town.