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Modern Ngwenya

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE four-team Supa Power tournament hangs in the balance after organisers of the August 19 event failed to deposit money into participating teams’ accounts two weeks before the event.

Bulawayo giants Highlanders have stuck to their guns and said they will only leave the City of Kings when cash has been availed to them, while Joy Setshedi, founder of Joy Foundation which runs the tournament, claimed an agreement had been reached with the teams that they will get their money once in Botswana.

“We will only confirm our participation when we get the money and that means leaving for the tournament as well,” said Highlanders’ acting chairman Modern Ngwenya.

Setshedi was, however, singing a different tune.

“We have agreed with teams that they will get paid in Botswana,” said Setshedi.

Participating teams, Highlanders, Dynamos, Tafic and Mochudi Centre Chiefs were expected to get P5 000 per player in appearance fees, while transport and accommodation costs would also be met by the organisers.

In 2012, a payment scuffle ensued when organisers took more than six months to honour their pledge of paying.

Setshedi had claimed everything was above board this time, as the Botswana Football Association had given the green light to the tournament, unlike in 2012 when some sponsors pulled out at the last minute.

The pullout forced organisers to pin their hopes on gate takings, which only amounted to P74 000, way below the budgeted figures.

If the tournament goes ahead, Highlanders will take on Mochudi Centre Chiefs, while Dynamos will lock horns with Tafic.

The main aim of the tournament is to raise funds for the development of a sports academy in Mochudi, Dinkgwana Ward, and Setchedi told the Botswana media recently that her Foundation had acquired land to build a multi-facet sports facility for nurturing of both boys and girls.

Set to be run along the lines of South Africa’s Carling Black Label featuring Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, fans of the four teams will select the participating players for each side via Econet SMS biller code 33220.

The cheapest ticket for the tournament has been pegged at P60, with the VIP enclosure costing P750.

@skhumoyo2000