Bulls get bonus boost

The Mighty Bulls received the confidence-boosting news yesterday during a send-off ceremony organised for them by Mbada Diamonds at Motor Action Sports Club.
Motor Action will travel to South Africa to face Black Leopards in a preliminary round, first leg encounter in Polokwane.
Coach Joey Antipas and his men were yesterday told that all they need to do is beat Lidhodha Duva and they will share a cool US$50 000 as winning bonuses courtesy of the miners.
Should they fail to win in the first leg, Mbada Diamonds will hold onto the package and carry over to their next assignment, a return leg in the capital two weeks later.
Buoyed by the “great news” from their sponsors, Mighty Bulls goalkeeper and captain Marlon Jani vowed that his troops would not crumble under pressure of expectations when they take on Black Leopards at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.
The Mighty Bulls disappointed in the Champions League last year when they lost to crack Ivorian side Asec Mimosas in a one-off first round tie at Rufaro.
But after reaching the Mbada Diamonds Cup in 2011, Motor Action are back on the African safari to redeem some lost pride.
During yesterday’s send-off function Mbada Diamonds honoured their pledge to help Zimbabwe’s representatives in the Confederation Cup with US$150 000 to cater for their expenses.
In addition Mbada Diamonds unveiled the US$50 000 set-aside as winning bonuses for each game and gave the colourful Harare side kits to be used during the campaign.
The kits included blazers, shirts, training kit, a warm-up kit and casual wear, while 30 match balls were also presented to the team.
The US$50 000 will be split as US$300 for each player if they win a match and US$100 for a draw.
And with all the expenses catered for, focus is now on the players to get a positive result.
Jani said the gesture by Mbada Diamonds would work as motivating factor to the team.
“I feel that there will be no pressure on our players during the game but we hope to deliver.
“The guys are now mature and I think they know what they are expected to do,” said Jani, who is a veteran of many Bulls battles.
Antipas reckoned that his charges are better prepared for the African safari this time around.
“It’s a big motivational factor for us and we are geared up for this game.
“Obviously, Black Leopards are a good side because they play in the PSL in South Africa.
“Any team that plays in the PSL deserves respect.
“So we will take a conservative approach and it should be 50-50,” said Antipas.
Antipas is also aware of the Sunday Chidzambwa factor in the Black Leopards camp.
Chidzambwa, a former Warriors coach is with Black Leopards and could help the plot against the Mighty Bulls.
“Sunday could give them what he knows about us. He knows our style and type of play but we have also learnt something from the game they played against CAPS United and Mamelodi Sundowns.
“We have acquired some knowledge about Black Leopards,” said Antipas.
The Motor Action gaffer said Motor Action have had better preparations this year than when they made an attempt in the Champions League.
“I admit that this year our preparations have been better than last year.
“We have managed to squeeze in some four games to help us,” said Antipas.
Mbada Diamonds corporate communications and public affairs executive George Manyaya implored on Motor Action to be inspired by Zambia’s success at the Nations Cup.
“The support we recently put for the Zambian national team, as we all united as the SADC region to support Chipolopolo leaves one with envy and imagining if this was for a Zimbabwean team.
“That is why we are gathered here today to unveil the kits as promised, the accommodation and the travel expenses,” said Manyaya.
Motor Action director Eric Rosen said they will make arrangements for their brass band to travel with the team and boost support while he also counts on the support on Zimbabweans in South Africa.
Antipas will lead a largely new-look side after the Mighty Bulls brought in 11 new players this year and lost some of the stars who led them to the Mbada Diamonds Cup final such as Allan Gahadzikwa, Edmore Chitato, Ocean Mushure, Kuda Musharu and Tawanda Nyamandwe.
Motor Action squad:
M. Jani, R. Mudimu, M. Kadzola, P. Benard, C. Mutero, R. Machaya, G. Moyo, J. Jam, D. Mukandi, M. Mambare, G. Phiri, N. Maviri, P. Kabwe, J. Chitereki, E. Peresu, I. Madziva, T. Mangwendere, T. Masuku.