Bantu Rovers to play in America

The Methembe Ndlovu owned football outfit Bantu Rovers Under 19 side is set to visit the United States of America in April to take part in the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup in Texas.

This is the first time a local outfit takes part in an international tournament that runs between 1 and 8 April.

Club secretary- general Wilbert Sibanda said the 16-member had already been cleared by the Sport and Recreation Commission (SRC) and Zifa.

"This will be a tremendous opportunity for our players to showcase their talent alongside some of the best players of their age in the world and underlines Bantu Rovers' commitment to developing young players," said Sibanda.

Sibanda said former Highlanders midfielder Johannes Ngodzo who also played for the Bantu Rovers senior team before it was relegated in 2010 would take charge of the team.

He said  the club wanted to forge relations with clubs inside and outside Zimbabwe .

The Dallas Cup has attracted football powerhouses like Barcelona, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Everton and Paris St Germain.

South African premiership outfit Jomo Cosmos have taken part in the competition before. Manchester United is also expected to take part.

Ndlovu had a stint in the American league before coming back to Zimbabwe to coach Highlanders and in 2009 formed Bantu Rovers.