Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT is not all gloomy in the Zimbabwe Women Premier Soccer League.
This comes after corporate partner Utano, yesterday committed to sponsoring the Women’s Premiership for at least three seasons, bringing a much-needed boost to the struggling league.
However, the partnership appears to be phased.
In the interim Utano signed a Memorandum of Understanding to reward outstanding players and coaches monthly for the last three months of the current season.
According to the MOU, the Player of the Month, Top Goal Scorer and Goalkeeper of the Month will each receive a cash prize of US$100 and a commemorative shield.
Additionally, the Coach of the Month will be honoured with $200 and a shield, starting this month up to season end.
ZWPSL vice chairperson Lewis Muzhara applauded the benefactor for the financial commitment.
“We wish to appreciate Utano for the commitment they have made, it comes at a very critical time for the league,” he said.
“This move will improve the competitive spirit in the league as we approach the end of the season.
“It’s also a huge boost for us as a new executive, we tried to approach companies and sadly as the year comes to an end, most corporates have exhausted their budgets.”
This sponsorship offers some relief to the league, as they have faced huge financial challenges, operating without sponsorship throughout the season.
Muzhara acknowledged the challenges of securing sponsorships late in the season indicating that Utano underscored their dedication to supporting the women’s game.
“We appreciate their sacrifice, this is the support that women’s football needs at the moment,” said Muzhara.
Muzhara also revealed that several potential sponsors are already lined up for the upcoming season.
The coming of Utano, he said, will also boost confidence among other corporate entities, encouraging them to join in and support the female footballers.
“Sponsorship will create a supportive environment that will enable us to revive the women’s game . . . financial backing is essential for fostering growth and development in the game.”
Utano Founder Engineer Lazarus Duri pledged his commitment to sponsoring the women’s league.
Duri, a former member of the Northern Region Soccer League board has been one of the benefactors for grassroots football in Chitungwiza for two years.
He said his commitment to support women in football highlights his passion for the game.
“I am not a new face in football, I have been here for long enough to understand the struggles for female footballers,” he said.
“For too long, we have not adequately supported them and I believe this is a story that we urgently need to re-write.
“What we are bringing on board is not much but I want to challenge other business people out there to join in and complement our efforts.
“I can attest that there is vast women’s football talent in Zimbabwe and together we can help the young girls go far.”
Last season, the top-flight had The Heart Group as their benefactor in an arrangement which had them re-branded to The Heart League.
