By Tendai Chisiri
Premier Soccer League (PSL) competitive tournament worth $75 000 Chibuku Super Cup and a safari tour for the winning team as FIFA approved Zimbabwe to be on the international scene was launched in the capital and this is the last edition of the 3-year deal penned between Delata Beverages and local football governing board.
The launch of the tournament was heralded by a draw of the first round where all teams in the Premier League were drawn to clash against each other.
The first eight teams were seeded so that they would play at home. Those in the position 9 to 14 were put in the hat so that they would be picked to be drawn with the first eight teams on the log standing. Those on the position 15,16,17 and 18 have to play preliminary to meet the seeded team or join the 9 to 14 in position. Two teams will progress from the preliminary round. In the preliminary Sheasham will clash against Black Rhinos whilst Yadah Bullets will lock horns against Cranbirme Bullets.
PSL chairman Twine Phiri in a speech read on his behalf by PSL secretary general Kenny Ndebele welcomed all to the 2023 Chibuku Super Cup Launch.
“Since its inception, the Super Chibuku Cup provides us with an exciting brand of football that leaves us sitting on the edges of our seats. The talent, skill and determination exhibited by our teams on the field is unmatched”, Ndebele said.
“In the previous editions of the tournament, we have managed to spread the game to Triangle, Bulawayo, Zvishavane and Ngezi. We look forward to reach all the corners of Zimbabwe”, he added.
“It is encouraging to note that the tournament grows in grandeur every year. We are confident of bringing excitement and gratification to fans as they enjoy the game of football while tasting the goodness of Chibuku Super”, he stated.
Last season fans witnessed two ambitious Herentals FC and Bulawayo Chiefs FC outclassing their opponents to deliver a historic final that attracted thousands of fans on a sunny Sundayy afternoon at Barbourfields Stadium im Bulawayo. Bulawayo Chiefs emerged the winners but athough they are defending champions, their League positions determines the that they cannot be seeded.
“We are grateful to the clubs for the part they play in making this tournament a success. Our players and technical team deserve great credit for ensuring the game continues to exercise generations of fans. Last butt not least, I thank the media from r reaching to those unable to attend the matches and go ving a detailed account of what would have transpired that even those who attended get more information about the event”, Ndebele concluded.
Speaking at the event Chibuku general manger Sorghum Beer Business Marshall Penhiwa said he felt it an honour to be among the history makers as another edition of the Chibuku Super Cup Soccer Tournament was unveiled.
“I am greatly honoured once again to be apart of the history makers today as we unveil yet another edition of the Chibuku Soccer Tournament”.
“2 years ago we launched a 3-year sponsorship package for this tournament and to say that the journey has been exciting will be a gross understatement. The journey has been nothing short of pure magic” Penhiwa said.
Chibuku continues to take pride in sponsoring soccer which allows us to engage and connect with their onsumers whilst fostering the bonds of brotherhood.
“In this regard, I wish to extend our appreciation to our partners PSL who have been instrumental in the journey as we continue to bring soccer institutions and all other stakeholders deserve special mention for shaping the soccer narrative and bringing the nation together through the beautiful game”, he noted.
“As we look ahead, we can only anticipate yet another exhilarating Chibuku Super Cup season. Many teams will be in the hat today and all of them will vie for the coffee prize of winning the floating trophy and prize money”.
“Clubs and soccer supporters are probably working on various possibilities and iterations regarding this tournament”.
“Will last year’s winners do a repeat? Will one of traditional giants awaken from the slumber? Who is the surprise package? All this adds to the flavour of this tournament. We can only wish the clubs all the best” he said.
“As I sign off, let me thank the the fans who had always come in their numbers to the stadium to support their teams and create an electric atmosphere through song and dance”, he added in conclusion.
Draw for the first round of the 2023 edition of Chibuku Super Cup
Fixtures
Highlanders v Bulawayo Chiefs
Ngezi Platinum v Triangle United
Manica Diamonds v Sheasham/Black Rhinos
Dynamos v Simba Bhora
Chicken Inn v Green Fuel
FC Platinum v Yadah/ Cranborne Bullets
Caps United v Hwange
Herentals v ZPC Kariba
Chibuku Super Cup competition dates
Preliminary Round: 09 August 2023
Round One: 12-13 August 2023
Quarter Finals: 23-24 September 2023
Semi Finals: 28-29 October 2023
Final: 25 November 2023
News Sport Online 