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Zimbabwean premiership club barred from South Africa trip

25th February 2019 Football, Sport

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By Agencies

THE Premier Soccer League has stopped one of its clubs from travelling to South Africa for a pre-season tour.

The League argues that Ngezi Platinum Stars did not get a formal invitation from the South African Football Association.

“We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 20 February 2019 and advise that we are not in a position to clear the proposed tour to South Africa on short notice,” read part of a letter from the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League.

“Further, the delegation list is incomplete. Your club is required to furnish us with the delegates’ passport numbers and expiry dates.

“The application should also be accompanied by an invitation letter from the South Africa Football Association.”

Ngezi had planned the trip as part of their preparations for the 2019 league season which starts next month.

According to Ngezi chief executive officer Nyasha Kadenge, the trip would have given new coach Dutchman Erol Akbay an opportunity to test his charges against three unnamed South African Premiership teams.

“Akbay’s vision for the team is to build a strong attacking team and ensure the games are fast paced,” said Kadenge last week.

“With new coaches on board and new team members, the pre-season camp provides an ideal environment for team building, improving mental and physical preparedness.

“For the pre-season camp, the team will also get an opportunity to play three South African Premier League teams which will test the team’s preparedness, mental, tactical and physical strength.

“With the team’s vision for junior development, the camp will also provide the team administration an opportunity to benchmark with some of the leading clubs in the ABSA premiership.”