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when Gweru City Council, the custodians of their home ground, Ascot Stadium, availed the stadium to the busmen’s training sessions for free.
The pledge was made during last Saturday night’s fundraising dinner held at Midlands Hotel by the city authorities’ representative Councillor Frank Gono Mukwazhe, whose jurisdiction area houses the stadium situated along Matobo Road.
“As city fathers we have seen it fit to avail the stadium for training sessions for free to Hardbody as part of promoting football development,” said Mukwazhe, sparking celebrations from team officials.
Until the pledge, the busmen were using the contentious Gweru Sports Club, a point of conflict with Gweru Rugby Club and the pledge will obviously go a long way in putting to rest the conflict which erupted in 2010.
This was in response to guest of honour, Cephas Msipa, the former Midlands Governor and Resident Minister, who had appealed to captains of industry and members of community to assist the provincial cause.
“It is my wish to see Hardbody succeed in raising the flag for the provincial cause. For the club to reach the dizzy heights they need our support in whatever form,” said Msipa.
To lead the way the Msipa family through their investment arm pledged $400 for every win.
Several other captains of industry pledged support in the form of monetary rewards, mineral water, refreshments, footballs, players’ stockings, playing kits and free service to the team bus.
The pledges are expected to go a long way in enhancing the team’s show on the field of player which has seen them lose the opening three matches. Hardbody were felled 0-3 by Dynamos before falling 0-1 to Black Mambas and on Sunday, Alick
Marime finally broke the goal duck in the 3-5 defeat to Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium.
Coach Tavaka Gumbo also received personal pledges.
Online Reporter