adminMukudzei Chingwere
Watching European football champions in action at their home venue is a rare opportunity, even more so for a five-a-side team. But, for Tendo Electronics, that dream will become a reality next year when they watch European club champions Liverpool in action against Southampton in an English Premiership tie on February 1 at Anfield. The travelling players are Farai Bosha, Nathan Mangisi, Allan Nyachuru, Lincoln Saramaya, Ashley Inusa, Peter Bunjira and Calistus Keche.
Standard Chartered, Liverpool’s sponsors, opened Anfield’s doors to locals and Tendo Electronics won.
Several five-a-side teams competed for the slot. Tendo Electronics managing director and club patron Mike Kamungeremu is happy with the team’s achievements. He pledged to continue helping in the development of five-a-side in the country.
“I am very happy that we managed to win the competition. The fact that we won a trip to Liverpool makes the achievement even more memorable.
“It is not easy to run sports teams these days. When the hard work you put in is rewarded like this, it encourages everyone. “I want to thank the club president Chatanga Badza and the coach Phineas Tundu for their good work.
“I am also grateful to the tournament organisers, Standard Chartered, for coming up with such an initiative.
“On our part as Tendo Electronics, we will continue investing in five-a-side as our small way of helping to develop the game in the country,” said Kamungeremu.
This development is likely to be a tonic for the revival of five-a-side, a sport that has been dormant for some time now. Five-a-side is renowned for honing some of the best football talent on the land. Dynamos captain Edward Sadomba had a go at it before making it big in his international career.
Standard Chartered Bank Zimbabwe’s chief executive officer Ralph Watungwa said the partnership is ongoing. He invited more participants for next year’s edition. “This partnership aims to help our customers, suppliers and all the stakeholders. It is here to stay.”
“Sport is a unifier not only in Zimbabwe, but across the globe. In almost all the countries we operate in, there is football. So, we have come up with this arrangement since we are also Liverpool sponsors.
“Congratulations to the winners, and to the five-a-side community. Those who did not participate this year are welcome to do so during the next edition,” said Watungwa.
Online Reporter