Celebrations in limbo

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
THE chairman of the Zifa Golden Jubilee Committee, Lovemore Banda, says they are struggling to put their preparations for their Golden Jubilee commemorations into full gear because sponsors are still reluctant to go into bed with the association.
The committee, which was supposed to hold a fund-raising dinner dance this Friday, has since moved the event to November 14.
Zifa are set to commemorate their Golden Jubilee but the year has largely been quiet, with only two months now remaining on the calendar.
Banda said his 13-member committee, which was set up in April this year to co-rdinate the celebrations, has been working hard on the proposed activities but they feel they have been let down by challenges in raising material and financial resources to kick-start the events.
“Zifa has taken big steps to clean up the game to turn around perceptions but it seems some people are still cynical and reluctant hence the money hasn’t been coming as we would have wanted. But, that as it may be, it is encouraging that we are having audience with some potential partners.

“It looks promising that we will get somewhere because some people are warming up to the idea that past is past, we have a game to run to and promote.

“As Zimbabweans we must all be part of it. The good thing is we now have a stand-alone ministry of sport, arts and culture and that alone comes with some feel-good factors which we feel may lead to an atmosphere that allows fund-raising.”

Banda, however, insisted they are on schedule in preparations for the commemorations which will be capped by the Golden Jubilee awards ceremony in Harare in December.

The committee has also lined up a number of events, which include football matches to feature legends and former players, musicians and radio personalities in Harare, Mutare and Bulawayo.

“All these things will culminate in the major event which is the awards night set for December 6. I think we will be able to meet the deadlines but a lot, of course, depends on the responses that we are getting,” said Banda.

The committee, whose mandate ends in December, is also working on establishing a Hall of Fame to recognise people who made significant contributions to the development of the game in Zimbabwe over the years.