A member of Thembalethu Foundation Trust and former Zimbabwe Mighty Warriors striker Fungai Nyamutukwa-Mpfeka addresses ladies teams’ representatives and journalists during the Thembalethu Foundation tournament draw held in the City yesterday. Following proceedings are other members of the Trust, Morgan Magadleza (left) and Bhekimpilo Ndlovu (right). — Picture by Nkosizile Ndlovu
Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS Royals were handed a fair draw for the inaugural Thembalethu Foundation women’s soccer tournament to be held at Bulawayo’s Raylton Sports Club next week.
Seven teams, New Orleans, Highlanders Royals, Street Sets, Sobukhazi, Borrow Jets, Real Stars and Cowdray Park Queens will take part in the tourney set to run from December 21-22.
Royals were yesterday drawn in Group B against seeded Borrow Jets and Cowdray Park Queens, with Jets tipped to sail through to the next stage as group winners.
Royals, who beat Queens in a league match, are likely to proceed to the semi-finals as runners-up to Jets.
Group A has tournament favourites New Orleans, Street Sets, Sobukhazi and Real Stars.
Royals’ manager Jacqueline Ngwenya believes her side is capable of causing upsets.
“This is a fair draw and all we need is to win one game and we’re through to the semi-finals where we will be in line to win a kit. Obviously we’re excited to be part of this tournament and the girls have worked hard and they believe they can go all the way to the final,” said Ngwenya.
Former Women’s Soccer League champions New Orleans’ coach Nkanyiso Bhebhe said the tournament presents them with an opportunity to stamp their authority as “Cup Queens” and rekindle yesteryear memory when they won everything on offer.
“We’re still the best and this is an opportunity to show that we’re still in the game. I think winning the Thembalethu Foundation tournament will be a fine Christmas present for the girls,” Bhebhe said.
The tournament’s objective is to change lives and bring hope to girls through football.
Thembalethu Foundation has partnered Baker’s Inn, Swivel Metal Engineering, Elicon Construction and Nokel Security, who pledged to support the tournament in kind.
The top four teams will each get high quality kit and medals.
There are also individual accolades for excelling players.
— @ZililoR