Photography by Tapiwanashe Nigel Muza
FSSL Pre-season Opener
The 5th edition of the Financial Services Soccer League (FSSL) Paynet Cup Tournament was launched last Friday (8th February 2019) at a colourful ceremony held at this year’s venue – ZB Sports Club. The occasion was graced by Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) President and ex-Dynamos top player Desmond “Gazza” Maringwa as well as ZTV Sports News anchor Ian Zvoma.
The 16-team tournament had been scheduled for late last year but did not take place due to difficult economic conditions, and will now be held as a pre-season opener for the FSSL during the period 16th – 17th February 2019. FSSL Secretary General Norbert Thulani Mhike kick-started the proceedings by welcoming guests before handing over to league patron Godfrey Marongwe-Nkosi, who led in prayer. Wearing his other hat as a ZB Sports Club official, Marongwe-Nkosi applauded the FSSL Executive Committee (EXCO) for bringing the tournament to ZB Sports Club for the first time.
“We hope our home will meet your standards and welcome feedback so that we can improve our facilities,” he said, adding that membership to the club was open to anyone who could pay the requisite fees. Accordingly, he extended an invitation to the Clubs that were represented on the night to consider using ZB Sport Club as their home ground.
Hail the FSSL Champions!
FSSL Chairperson Kudzai Kwangwari thanked Payserv for once again coming on board despite the harsh economic environment currently prevailing in the country. He also congratulated CABS, the 2018 FSSL champions and commended them for their fine unbeaten run in the league. CABS, FBC, Old Mutual and CBZ will anchor this year’s tournament as the seeded teams based on their top-four FSSL billing, revealed Kwangwari.
“We also hope to see another surprise package at this year’s Payserv Cup after ZB Life brought life to their game to win the top prize. Who knows, maybe they will retain the trophy,” said Kwangwari.
This year’s edition of the tournament will be graced by FBC and Stanbic women’s soccer teams who have the opportunity to rekindle their rivalry after Stanbic got the better FBC to claim gold after a penalty shootout at the 2018 Interbank games. Just like last year, the ladies match will replace the men’s third place play-off.
The FSSL Chairman challenged the six teams (Metbank, Minerva, Nedbank, Stanbic, Steward Bank, ZB Life) which are not part of the league but are taking part in the tournament to consider joining the league this season. Kwangwari then paid tribute to guest of honour Maringwa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) and CAF Champions League exploits with Dynamos Football Club. He hailed FUZ’s good work in seeking to improve player welfare, a prime example being Edward Sadomba’s case in which he won an arbitral award against his Lybian club Al Ahli Tripoli following the intervention of FUZ.
Let Football Be the Winner
In his remarks, Desmond Maringwa, whom Zvoma described as “an organised man,” said he was honoured and privileged to be invited to the launch.
“It means you are recognising the work we are doing,” he said.
He noted that despite his busy schedule – especially after being elected to represent all other football unions in the SADC region – he felt obliged to accept the invitation to be guest of honour because of the FSSL’s recognition of FUZ’s efforts. The former midfielder hailed the capacity of soccer to create friendships amongst staff of financial institutions and praised FSSL for runninng an organised league to which some prominent players such as Hardlife Zvirekwi and Naison Mchekela have at some point turned to in order to realise their full potential. He challenged players taking part in the tournament to exhibit discipline in order to safeguard Payserv’s valuable sponsorship package.
“Let football be the winner,” Maringwa declared in closing.
Partnering for Efficient Payment Solutions
Payserv representative Milton Mushambi, himself a football man, having featured for Fire Batteries amongst other PSL teams, said Payserv was passionate about employee wellness, hence the decision to sponsor the football tournament.
“I am honoured to be here, this evening for the official launch of the FSSL Paynet Cup Tournament. Payserv is in partnership with financial institutions to provide efficient payment solutions to corporate customers and individuals. Paynet Zimbabwe has served as the sponsor of the Financial Services Soccer League since 2014. We are very proud of the expanding role that we have played in this regard. I look forward to seeing you over the course of the competition and certainly look forward to being with all of you on Saturday when the tournament kicks off. Last year ZB Life took the title, we now eagerly wait to see this year’s champions. Let’s toast, celebrating the FSSL Paynet Tournament official launch. # Paynet Pays # PaynetInobhadhara# PaynetIyabhadhala. Thank you,” said Mushambi.
Assisted by Maringwa, Gwanyanya of the Hurudza Referees Association conducted the draw, whose results were as follows:
| Group A | Group B |
| CBZ Holdings
Minerva Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Stanbic |
Old Mutual
Metbank Standard Chartered Bank ZB Bank |
| Group C | Group D |
| FBC Moola
Agribank Payserv Steward Bank |
CABS
Ecobank Nedbank ZB Life |
Group B is seen as the Group of Death at this year’s tournament, which will be -hosted by ZB Sports Club in partnership with Vainona High School. The matches will be 40 minutes long, with 5-minute breaks.
Befitting Launch
In his vote of thanks, FSSL vice chairperson Titus Sanangurai thanked Payserv without whom the tournament would not have been possible under the circumstances, the MC Ian Zvoma for making the launch an enjoyable experience and the FSSL executive for organising a befitting launch. “As for Hurudza Referees Association, we have had our ups and downs but the fact that you are back means we value your services” said Sanangurai. ©MFSB Sport
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