Binga Pirates send SOS

Leonard Ncube

BINGA Pirates are appealing to well-wishers for financial assistance to help the club assemble a squad to participate in the Zifa Southern Region Division 1 League.

Binga Pirates are facing financial challenges following the pullout of their major sponsor and have missed the opening matches of this season.

The club owed Zifa more than US$1 000 which they have managed to clear and the team is now focused on registering players and attending to other mandatory demands before fulfilling the matches.

If anything, it is confirmed the team will not pull out of the league as it has managed to pay up to Zifa but that will also be dependent on if it can register enough players.

Zifa had put two clubs on standby to replace Binga in the league, which would have been a huge blow to the soccer loving Binga district.

Binga Pirates management has launched a “save the club” campaign to mobilise resources.

“We are seeking donations to remain in the league. A hand that gives is blessed,” said the club on its Facebook page.

In an interview, club secretary Quegas Mutale said some companies and individuals were promising to help.

“The team is still there, we have a challenge with regards to finances. We had arrears to Zifa and they said we should at least pay US$1 000. As of last week, we managed to pay that amount and for now, we need money to kick-start as we are now doing player registration.

“We have written letters and sent them to different companies, mostly in Binga district, some have responded, but it’s still early for us to talk about anything coming. What we are doing also is to try and think of income-generating projects so we sustain the team because this is a community club,” he said.

Mutale said some individuals in and outside Zimbabwe are willing to help and the team looks forward to secure permanent sponsorship.

Those wishing to help can use AFC Forex Account Number 1000105113067, or RTGS account 100008574809 and Ecocash merchant code 322459.