THE annual Commander of Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Charities Soccer Shield, which was launched in Harare yesterday, produced some interesting quarter-final pairings that will heighten anticipation. Eight teams were handpicked to participate in this year’s edition, whose proceeds will be channelled towards charity.
HENRY MHARA
A draw conducted at the army headquarters yesterday produced two derbies, with Caps United taking on Harare City in the capital, while Highlanders will play Chicken Inn in Bulawayo.
Dynamos and ZPC Kariba will get the tournament rolling on February 28 at Rufaro Stadium before the other three matches that are set for the first weekend of March.
“Last year, we had Dynamos, Caps, Highlanders, FC Platinum and How Mine participating, but we decided it would be a good idea to start at the quarter-finals,” ZNA Commander, Lieutenant-General Phillip Valerio Sibanda said. “Initially, we wanted all the games to be played concurrently, but it was not possible because of club commitments.”
The charities that will benefit from the tournament proceeds are Tsanga Rehabilitation Lodge in Nyanga, the Army Benevolent Fund and ZNA Widows and Orphans Fund, among others. Dates for the semis and the final will be advised in due course, but Sibanda said they were likely to be played in July and August.
The draw February 28: Dynamos vs ZPC Kariba (Rufaro). March 6: Caps United vs Harare City (Rufaro), FC Platinum vs How Mine (Mandava), Highlanders vs Chicken Inn (BF)
