All set for Uhuru semi-finals

THE Premier Soccer League have been forced to cancel weekend fixtures to pave the way for the rescheduled Independence Cup semi-finals slated for this Saturday in Harare and Bulawayo.

Eight matches were supposed to be played on Saturday at different venues across the country, but PSL chief executive Kenny Ndebele yesterday said they had revised the programme following their meeting with ZIFA.

The matches will now be played next week to accommodate the Uhuru Cup semis on Saturday and the finals that are set to take place on Monday as part of the national Independence Day commemorations.

League champions Chicken Inn will face Dynamos at Rufaro while holders of the cup FC Platinum will again have to travel to Bulawayo to rekindle their rivalry with Highlanders just one week after they had beaten them in their backyard in a league match.

ZIFA communications manager Xolisani Gwesela yesterday said the stage is set for the Uhuru tournament.

“I can confirm that the semi-finals are now going to be played this Saturday and then the teams that reach the final will clash at the National Sports Stadium on Monday as part of the Independence Day celebrations.

“The losing semi-finalists will play in the third place play-off which will take place at White City Stadium in Bulawayo on Monday again.

“So we are appealing to all football loving Zimbabweans to come in their numbers and join hands with the rest of the nation in celebrating our hardwon independence through the beautiful game,” said Gwesela.

The final and the third place playoff will be free of charge but for the semi-finals football supporters should prepare to part with $3 for the rest of the ground, $5 for the upper grand stand and $10 for the VIP.

The Independence Cup is funded by the Government and the four teams have been hand-picked to feature in this year’s tournament.

Winners are set to walk away $20 000 richer while the losing finalists get $15 000.

The organisers have also said the third and fourth-placed teams will receive $10 000 and $5 000.

Saturday Fixtures

Independence Cup semi-finals Dynamos v Chicken Inn (Rufaro), Highlanders v FC Platinum (Barbourfields)