RESIDENTS of Sizinda and Tshabalala gather once more for the third edition of the Trevor Phiri Memorial Football Tournament that takes place tomorrow and Sunday.
SPORTS REPORTER
Phiri, a former Njube Sundowns player, died in a tragic traffic accident on his way from South Africa on December 18 2009 and the tournament is being played for the third year in remembrance of the midfielder.
Ten teams have confirmed taking part in the tournament with the first round robin games featuring three teams in each of the three groups being played in Sizinda, Mambo Grounds and Indlovu Youth Centre in Tshabalala on Saturday.
The top teams in each group will play in the semi-finals that will include last year’s winners Fundukulinda of Tshabalala. The final on Sunday will be in Sizinda.
Sundowns Select, Calabash, Mex Mawaya, Zobadwanazo, Young Stars of Sizinda, Grills and Fundukulinda from Tshabalala are some of the teams that will be taking part in the tournament.
Also in are Number One Football Club from Iminyela, Emganwini and Bullet of Nkulumane.
The convener of the tournament, Sanangurai Mushove, yesterday said they were yet to make the draw for the competition, but winners will be getting an undisclosed cash prize and a trophy while runners-up will also receive a cash prize.
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“The tournament is on Saturday and Sunday and like every year, we will be giving a token of appreciation in cash to the family of the late Phiri after the final on Sunday,” Mushove said.
Some of the players expected to grace the tournament are Castle Lager Footballer of the Year finalist Felix Chindungwe, Thomas Chimenya, Canaan Nkomo, Hebert Dick, Tendai Ngulube, twins Tendai and Takudzwa Ndoro, Webb and Trevor’s brother Elson.
Also taking part will be the late Trevor’s friends Mgcini Sibanda, Gideon Masiku and Abdul Phiri.
Last year Fundukulinda won the tournament after beating Sundowns Select 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out after a 2-2 stalemate in regulation time.
There will also be prizes for the Player of the Tournament, Top Goalscorer, Goalkeeper of the Tournament and the Most Disciplined Team.
After the tournament last year, participating players met with the late Trevor’s family, including his daughter Shalom, now five years old, in the competition that also attracted Chicken Inn assistant coach Mandla Mpofu, Highlanders captain Innocent Mapuranga, Thandazani Ndlovu and FC Platinum’s Thabani Kamusoko.
Zimbabwe Saints legend Jimmy Phiri was also part of the spectators.
