Three Zimbabwean clubs get $350 000 injection

Caps United player Tafadzwa Rusike attacks USM Alger goal area during a CAF Champions League match on 24 April 2017 at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, Zimbabwe. Caps United won the match by 2 goals to 1. Zinyange Auntony

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Friday Feb 16, 2018. 17:00

Three Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League clubs Dynamos, Caps United and Highlanders have received a massive financial boost from a sponsor.

Mobile telecommunications company, NetOne, unveiled a $1 million sponsorship package for the country’s three biggest football teams this week.

Media reports in the country suggest that company has pledged to increase the support next year if the partnership succeeds this season.

The three most supported teams in Zimbabwe will each receive $350 000 towards their operations and other related expenses for the upcoming season, which kicks off in March.

According to the company CEO, Brian Mutandiro, he said he was hopeful that their financial support would transform the standards of football in the country.

“After ensuring that our beloved Warriors participated at the continental showcase, the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon last year, by pouring in $250 000, the people’s favourite network is back again, channelling over $1 million to these three heavyweights of Zimbabwean football,” he said.

“Let me hasten to say, we as NetOne envisage this partnership to be a win-win situation, as we anticipate clubs to play their respective parts in promoting our brand and endearing it to their multitudes of supporters.

“Various initiatives will be rolled out the entire year, as we seek to make the partnership sustainable. What it means is that clubs benefiting from our sponsorship have a major role to play for this partnership to be a success.

“As a business, our objective is for the clubs to be able to encourage their supporters to use more of the numerous NetOne packages available, to sustain the sponsorship going forward.”

Mutandiro also called for support from every Zimbabwean because that will help players earn decent livelihoods and better prepare them for their national duties.

NetOne have also previously helped the women’s national soccer team and also sponsored the Women Football League through the NetOne Challenge Cup.