adminTawanda Mangoma in CHIREDZI
PREMIERSHIP debutants Chiredzi FC will on Friday host a fundraising dinner to mobilise resources from the local business community and Good Samaritans and save the club from collapsing.The franchise was donated to the Chiredzi community by Tongaat Hullett for free after the company announced that it could not sponsor two teams in the Premier League.
Tongaat Hullett, however, allowed Chiredzi to use Chishamiso Stadium for free, and also donated football kits to the club but cannot be used for league matches as they bear the company’s logo.
Chiredzi FC lost many of their best players after Tongaat Hullett withdrew their sponsorship.
Triangle FC were quick to sign midfilder Hilary Bakachesa, the son of former Falcon Gold forward Raphael, and striker Felix “Mbesuma” Kuswatukwa.
Chiredzi FC chairman Charles Muchatukwa said all is set for the fund-raising dinner.
“Chiredzi FC will host a fundraising dinner on the 16th of May here in Chiredzi at Nesbit Arms Hotel,” said Muchatukwa.
“We submitted budgets to prospective sponsors and our prayers are that we will raise funds that will make the team survive.”
Muchatukwa challenged the local business community to come forward and save the Chiredzi FC.
Tinofirei Wadzai, a Chiredzi businessman, said while the community loved football, it was not yet ready to help foot the costs of running a Premiership club. Godfrey Chambwe, a sugarcane farmer, said the tough economic environment was making it difficult for them to come on board and help the team.
Online Reporter