Mukuru powers 4 nations tourney

International financial services company Mukuru has officially been confirmed as the title sponsor of the Four Nations regional competition set for Francistown, Botswana. The tournament, scheduled for March 28 to 31, will bring together four Southern African nations, namely hosts Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe with matches to be played at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium. The four participating nations’ associations said in a joint statement yesterday that they expect a highly competitive showcase of regional football talent.

Reads the statement in part: “The competition will feature hosts Botswana, together with Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and promises to deliver an exciting celebration of Southern African football. “Attention now turns to the official draw, scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, which will be broadcast live on SuperSport. “The draw will determine the tournament fixtures and mark the formal start of a regional contest that brings together four proud footballing nations in the spirit of competition, unity and shared passion for the game.” The statement further said the tournament will also strengthen regional ties while providing valuable international experience for players and coaching staff.

Although the four associations announced that the tournament would be held from March 23 to 31, the actual fixtures will now be on March 28 and 31, according to Football Association of Malawi (FAM) operations director Gomezgani Zakazaka. He said: “The March 23 to 31 dates are for the Fifa international window. The draw for the tournament takes place on Tuesday, March 24.

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“The semi-final games are on Saturday, March 28, while the third-place play-off and final will be on Tuesday, March 31. “The Flames are expected to fly to Botswana on March 26, two days before the first match.” Meanwhile, Flames coach Kallisto Pasuwa is expected to name his final squad on Tuesday. The tactician, in an interview, said preparations are going well.

Said Pasuwa: “So far, so good. I can’t complain. These games are key to us.

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