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Top Hpsl clubs honor US ambassador

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Two football powerhouses in the Harare Professionals Soccer League (Hpsl)-Obama Boys & Zim Lawyers-will this weekend clash in honor of United States Ambassador Bruce Wharton on October 17,

Two football powerhouses in the Harare Professionals Soccer League (Hpsl)-Obama Boys & Zim Lawyers-will this weekend clash in honor of United States Ambassador Bruce Wharton on October 17, officials at both clubs confirmed.

By Bathabile Dlamini

US

“We rekindle the Hpsl’s greatest rivalry in this scrumptious derby between Zim Lawyers and Obama Boys in honor of Ambassador Wharton,”said Sizani Weza, President of the Obama Boys. “Both teams are contenders for the prestigious Hpsl title-won by Zim Lawyers in 2013, and by Obama Boys in 2014.”

The U.S. Ambassador is patron of the title winning social soccer team which has not shied away from public campaigns in support of shared values between the United States and Zimbabwe.

The seasoned American diplomat concludes a successful tour of duty as President Obama’s personal representative in Zimbabwe. This is his second tour of duty in the Southern African country since he concluded a four year stint in 2003 as the Embassy’s spokesperson. The U.S. President has nominated Harry J Thomas Jr to succeed him.

“He is the reason why Obama Boys won the title in 2014,” said Tinashe Mundawarara, Spokesperson for Zim Lawyers Football Club. “Despite their victory last season, we are still the best social soccer team in Harare and we don’t want the Ambassador to leave Harare with a wrong impression about who the true champions are,” he added.

Obama Boys was established in 2012 as an initiative of Embassy staff to support a group of community boys based in Alexandra Park. It enlisted in the Hpsl in 2013, winning the championship in 2014.

In 2014, the team wore Pepfar branded uniforms. Pepfar is the U.S.President’s Plan for AIDS Relief and has in the past three years provided $95 million to Zimbabwe in support of HIV prevention & treatment activities. This year the team pushing the ZimStrong brand which the American said represent “U.S. desire to see a strong Zimbabwe able to prosper economically and feed its people.”

Ambassador Wharton and the team have been able to support freedom of expression initiatives to promote a strong media sector with organizations such as the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe.

With support from Embassy staff led by Ambassador Wharton, the team continues a good run in 2015 with 78 points from 31 matches. Their rivals, Zim Lawyers, has 75 points from the same number of matches.

Incredibly, Zim Lawyers has never lost to Obama Boys in the Hpsl,managing 3 wins and 3 draws against their illustrious opponents. “That history is important and that should make for a good match,” said Weza. “They often see winning against the Yes We Can! boys as an end in itself and we hope they maintain that good form to give us a challenge we always crave for.”

With seven matches remaining to the end of the 2015 Hpsl Season, Obama Boys has the advantage but it’s still evenly poised.

“The winner might see this trophy (Amb Bruce Wharton testimonial challenge cup) as consolation if they lose the title. But knowing the culture at both clubs, they would want to win both!”

The Ambassaador Wharton testimonial match kicks off at 2.30 pm at the Harare International School grounds. Entry is free but school authorities do not permit alcohol or beer at the premises.- ZimPAS