ZIMBABWE champions Chicken Inn have been given an opportunity to prepare for their Caf Champions League after they were invited by Zambian Champions Zesco United to play in a four-team invitational tournament in Zambia.
The tournament is scheduled for 27 and February 3 at the Levi Mwanawasa Stadium and will feature Zesco, Zanaco and Tanzanian side Azam FC.
Zesco’s administrative officer, Frank Chitambala, wrote to Chicken Inn on January 15.
He however said there was no prize money for the tournament as it was designed to prepare teams which will be participating in Africa.
Zesco pledged to foot the bill for Chicken Inn’s stay in Zambia.
“Zesco United Football Club will be hosting its annual four-team pre-season international tournament at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola from January 27 to February 3 2016,” part of the letter reads.
“This tournament, which regularly features Zesco United, Mamelodi Sundowns and TP Mazembe, is used as a preparation for the Caf club competitions, as it gives teams the much-needed match fitness and practice.”
Sundowns and the Democratic Republic of Congo giants TP Mazembe turned down the invitation this year.
“This year’s tournament will feature hosts Zesco United, Zanaco and Azam FC from Zambia and we are hereby inviting Chicken Inn FC to be part of the tournament.
“The tournament is played on a league basis, with all four teams playing each other on three match days.”
Zesco United will cater for accommodation and meals, as well as transport during the competition for a delegation of 30 members of Chicken Inn FC.
Chicken Inn secretary, Tavengwa Hara acknowledged receipt of the invitation and said they had written to PSL and ZIFA seeking clearance to take part in the tournament.
Chicken Inn begin their maiden Caf Champions League journey with a date with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns at Luveve Stadium on February 13.
Zesco United take on Al Ghazha Wau FC of South Sudan in the preliminary round first leg of the Caf Champions League on February 12 in Zambia.
Zanaco, the Zambian Premier league runners-up, received a bye into the first round of the Caf Confederation Cup and await the winners between Harare City and AS Adema of Madagascar, who clash in the preliminary round.Advertisement