Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO-based former footballers will play an exhibition game against a Plumtree Select in the annual Jonah Football Tournament to be held on Christmas Day at Nyabane, in Bulilima.
The former players, who include active coaches, will help the Plumtree community scout for the best players that will be selected for the border-town’s team set to compete in a Zifa registered league.
Ex-Zimbabwe international Hebert Dick, who had a playing stint in Poland, Bosso legend Dazzy Kapenya, the former national team midfield trio of Johannes Ngodzo, Ronald Sibanda and Joel Luphahla as well as Gift Lunga Jr are expected to grace the Nyabane tournament.
“As former players it is an honour to get an invitation to play at such developmental tournaments and inspire youngsters. Some members of our team are active coaches and will be going there to scout for talent.
“The organisers of the tournament have also asked us to help them identify players who can form a team which will compete in a Zifa registered league,” said Dick.
The competition will feature eight teams, Kombani FC, Nyabane A, Nyabane B, Hlangulani, Plumtree Chiefs, Bangani, Manda and Marula.
South Africa-based businessman Jonathan Ndlovu, who is into the construction industry and has also been bankrolling primary schools’ tournaments in Bulilima, has set aside R20 000 as prize money for the tournament.
Ndlovu believes the presence of former players will play a big role in inspiring youngsters from Plumtree.
“It’s disturbing to note that Plumtree is the only border town in the country without a team playing in the Zifa lower leagues. I believe there is abundant talent in Plumtree which is not being tapped. Hopefully, this tournament will play a big role in establishing a side that will compete in a Zifa registered league. My hope is that the presence of former players, who played in the topflight, will inspire the youngsters,” said Ndlovu.
@ZililoR