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Sports Correspondent
ZIMBABWE National Army (ZNA) Commander, Phillip Valerio Sibanda, has described the charity soccer match played between Highlanders and Black Rhinos on Sunday as a success. Speaking at an after match reception at Headquarters One Brigade on Sunday evening, Sibanda said despite the match not being well attended it was however, a success.
‘‘The match was a success because of the cordial relationship we have with the business and Bulawayo community in general. This is a small way of thanking our valued sponsors also,’’ said Sibanda.
He expressed gratitude to Highlanders Football Club for embracing the request swiftly when the invitation for the charity match was forwarded to them.
‘‘Our sincere gratitude to Highlanders for embracing the request swiftly although my team Black Rhinos lost. We would like to thank the Highlanders executive, players and supporters for supporting such a worthy cause.
‘‘We expected many people to come but however, we are pleased with those who came to the stadium to watch the football match. Like what they say, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,’’ he said.
Sibanda also thanked the Premier Soccer League (PSL) chief executive officer Kenny Ndebele for according the charity match space on their busy soccer calendar.
‘‘We would like to thank Kenny Ndebele and the PSL team for accommodating us in their soccer calendar. We would not have done it alone without him and his team’s support. Surely my dream would have failed if it had not been for Ndebele,’’ said Sibanda.
Army side Black Rhinos were also praised by Sibanda despite losing the match. ‘‘I would like to thank the Black Rhinos management and team for coming forward for the charity match. They are an army team and I can give them orders but they have shown a desire to play in the match although they lost,’’ he said.
Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu donated the prizemoney, Willsgrove donated foodstuffs worth $2 000 and Delta Beverages donated drinks while African Distillers, National Foods, Amtec Motors, various individuals and Mr Kanjoma also chipped in with some donations.
The Bulawayo City Council was lauded for reducing the percentage for using Barbourfields Stadium from 20 percent to 10p ercent.
The ZNA charities cater for Tsanga Lodge, which is in the Eastern Highlands of Nyanga and provides shelter, recuperation facilities, environmental and training guidance to members of the security forces who would have been injured while on duty.
Army Widows and Orphans Benevolent Fund addresses the financial needs of widows, widowers and orphans of deceased members while waiting for the release of terminal benefits.
ZNA Benevolent Fund, was established to cater for members’ welfare while on active service boosting their morale both internally and externally.
ZNA Schools Welfare Trust Fund, was established to cater for various schools that fall under the military institution. There are 17 schools which also cater for children of civilians. ZNA Patients Welfare Fund, which provides assistance and welfare goodies to members admitted in hospitals and those ill at home.
According to Sibanda, the welfare fund has raised $200 000 to date out of the required $500 000.
‘‘So far we have raised $200 000 and we need to raise the remainder which is $300 000. We cannot aim for $800 000 before we reach the target of $500 000. We should however be able to raise the remaining $300 000,’’ said Sibanda.
Online Reporter