THE Joshua Nkomo Legacy Shield, pitting Dynamos and Highlanders, hangs in the balance after Bosso indicated they would not be taking part in the proposed two-legged encounter.
BY SAKHELENI NXUMALO
Highlanders chief executive officer, Ndumiso Gumede told NewsDay Sport yesterday that the Bulawayo footbball giants have no plans to take part in the Joshua Nkomo National Foundation-organised tournament.
“There is nothing like that. We have an outreach programme with Nyaradzo in Plumtree on Sunday and that is where the Highlanders family will be,” he said.
“We feel they (organisers) are trying to make money through us because they have not been clear on issues like appearance fees and they are saying they want a certain percentage, but we cannot work like that. If we want to raise money, we can always arrange between ourselves and Dynamos and organise a friendly encounter,” Gumede said.
Sources say the organisers had not put any figures on the table, but had promised each team 30% of the gate takings from the two encounters.
When contacted for comment, Joshua Nkomo National Foundation chief executive officer, Jabulani Hadebe sounded surprised that the match was in doubt.
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“The game is on. Maybe they (Highlanders) are still waiting for official correspondence from Zifa. I will go to their offices and find out what is happening,” Hadebe said. Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said the association had given their consent for the game to go ahead.
“We cleared that tournament and sent letters to both clubs and the Premier Soccer League to that effect.
“As far as we know, Highlanders signed an agreement to take part in the tournament, but the best person to talk to is Hadebe,” Gwesela said.
The Joshua Nkomo Legacy Shield was supposed to be played over two legs with the first match pencilled for Rufaro Stadium on Sunday and the second scheduled for Barbourfields Stadium on Unity Day.
Dynamos team manager, Richard Chihoro said the Glamour Boys were busy preparing for the tie, while Highlanders technical director Cosmas Zulu confirmed that their players had not been training following their Easycall Cup victory last Sunday.
