Shereni testimonial match off

HARARE – The testimonial match of former Zimbabwe international Harlington Shereni has been postponed although no finer explanation was given.

The game was due to take place this weekend, and will be rescheduled for a later date.

In a statement released yesterday by the organisers new dates and arrangements will be communicated in due course.

Shereni said in a statement: “We are not able to proceed with the match this weekend. “We will advise of new dates that will suit all stakeholders in due course. Additionally, we will postpone all scheduled events like the dinner gala.”

The Former Warriors left back, Shereni, was set to hold a testimonial match that was to feature several African stars.

The purpose of the match was to raise funds for the Harlington Shereni Foundation which aims to provide talented youths the opportunity to improve their sporting talents and realise their dreams while maintaining their academic studies.

Some of the international stars that were scheduled to arrive in Harare for the match include Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud and former South Africa captain Steven Pienaar, who now plays for Everton.

Some of the other prominent footballers expected to feature include Lucas Radebe, Emmanuel Eboue Raymond Kallakongo, Bonaventure Kalou, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Steve Mandanda, Benjani Mwaruwari and Roger Hitoto.

The news will come as a disappointment to many locals, who follow the English Premiership keenly.

Most local Gunners fans were hoping to see Giroud up close and personal as they cannot afford to travel to the London to watch matches at the Emirates.

With a sizeable Nigerian population in Zimbabwe, Aiyegbeni was also expected to be a big hit if the testimonial had gone ahead.

Shereni made his name at Dynamos when he powered the Glamour Boys to a second place in the 1998 Champions League before he went on to play for Avant De Guingamp FC, Nantes and Strasbourg defender.

Speaking at the official launch of the match earlier this month, Shereni hoped to use proceeds from the testimonial  to establish a High Performance Centre.

“Throughout my career, I have observed that, most often, those that are able to pursue professional sports are those from wealthier backgrounds,” he said.

“For those from more modest backgrounds, they are unable to access the facilities or training that takes an individual to the next level. That is what the High Performance Centre is all about.

“This High Performance Centre is going to put even clinics with specilised sports medicine.

“We are also going to have sort of a mini-stadium where we will have an athletics track and be able to provide other things for tennis, basketball, cricket and swimming. We want to incorporate all the sporting disciplines.

“I want to bring back home what I have experienced in Europe. When nurturing these youngsters we want to provide them high quality standards so that when they go to Europe they will be at par with their counter parts.

“We want them to have the same feel, the same environment that the other guys in Europe have. This is basically what I want to bring to these guys.” Daily News