Joshua Nkomo truckumb soccer tournament launched

Eight southern region division 1 teams are set to battle it out for the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Trukumb top 8 knockout soccer tournament that is aimed at celebrating the life of the late Father Zimbabwe Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo.

The inaugural tournament that is bankrolled to the tune of US$10 000 will see teams that finish the 2016 season in the top 8 squaring off in what will be a warm down to the season with an added incentive of Austrian scouts set to attend.

Speaking during the launch, ZIFA vice president Omega Sibanda heaped praises on the sponsors for supporting football despite the turbulent economic times.

Representing the Dr Joshua Nkomo family, son to the late former icon Sibangilizwe Nkomo chronicled the life of the late Father Zimbabwe which contributed a lot to the country including sport.

Sabelo Mpofu who represented the sponsors spoke on his organisation's desire to use the tournament as a route to promote unity with the hope it will become an annual event.

Winners of the tournament are set to walk away US$2 400 richer with the runner up pocketing US$1 500.

Losing semi finalists will each get US$700 with the losing quarter finalists set to receive US$300 each.

There are also individual prizes to be given to top performing players while all match fees that include referees', police, ground rentals and transportation of teams will be covered by the sponsor.

The draw for the tournament that is set to kick off on the first of December will be conducted at a later date as the league has one final round of action before it marks its end.