AFTER almost two decades of non-existence, sponsors of the Premier Soccer League (PSL), Delta Beverages have unveiled the Chibuku Super Cup tournament trophy.
The newly branded ‘Chibuku Super Cup’ tournament will see all the 16 teams battle it out for the trophy and a whooping cash prize of US$75 000.
The runners-up are expected to walk away with a cash prize of US$50 000.
Losing semi finalists will each get US$25 000 while the losing quarter finals teams will receive US$20 000.
Teams that will exit the Cup in the first round which has been slated for the weekend of August 15 to 17 will each get $15 000.
The PSL are yet to announce the venues for the first round matches and the breakdown for prize money of other individual awards.
The replica of the trophy was revealed to football officials at a cocktail party held at Meikles Hotel in the capital on Wednesday.
In an interview with The Patriot, PSL chief executive officer, Kenny Ndebele said he was excited about the return of the tournament on the soccer calendar.
“I am very excited and anticipating an epic battle for the Chibuku Super Cup championship title,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Delta Beverages marketing director, Max Karombo, said the tournament will run concurrently with a promotion which will see consumers winning minibuses.
“This tournament will bring back memories of the Chibuku Cup held back then,” he said.
“This time around it will be bigger and better since we will be giving away minibuses in a promotional competition that will run during the Chibuku Super Cup tournament.”
The Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga represented by sports promotion and development officer, Regis Chabata, hailed the union between Delta Beverages and PSL.
“I would like to salute Delta Beverages for remaining one of the strongest investors in our local football, a development that has seen a lot of talent being nurtured for domestic and international markets,” he said.
“This kind of support is what is needed for our young generations to see a reason to take up sport and football in particular as a means for earning a decent living.”
A draw was conducted to pair the teams for the tournament.
The draw was structured such that eight unseeded teams (Chicken Inn FC, Shabanie Mine FC, Triangle United FC, Chapungu FC, Harare City FC, Bantu Rovers FC and Chiredzi United FC) were put in a hat so that they would be chosen at random to pair them against the seeded teams (Highlanders FC, ZPC Kariba FC, Dynamos FC, Caps United FC, Hwange FC, Buffalos FC, F.C Platinum FC and How Mine FC).
For transparency sake, dignitaries were chosen at random to pick up the names of the eight unseeded teams.
The Chibuku Super Cup will be the second knockout competition for the PSL this year following the One-Wallet Cup last month involving eight teams that finished in the top eight on the log standings in the last term.
The league is also expected to have the Mbada Diamonds Cup which will run from October to December.
The original Chibuku Cup had its first edition in 1966 and was won by Cam and Motor who beat Bulawayo Callies 2-1 in the final.
Highlanders are the most successful club in this competition having won it four times in 1973, 1980, 1984 and 1986, which was the last edition.
Arcadia United won it twice in 1983 and 1985.
Full Draw
Highlanders FC vs.Shabani Mine FC
ZPC Kariba FC vs.Harare City FC
Dynamos FC vs.Black Rhinos FC
CAPS United FC vs.Chapungu FC
Hwange FC vs.Triangle United FC
Buffalos FC vs.Chiredzi United FC
FC Platinum FC vs.Bantu Rovers FC
How Mine FC vs.Chicken Inn FC