DeMbare unveil new kit

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS sponsors BancABC have indicated that the Harare giants might not walk alone again if they qualify for the Champions League. The financial institution yesterday pledged to return to bankroll the Glamour Boys campaign in Africa at a function when they launched new kits to be used during the 2014 Premiership season.
BancABC managing director, Hashmon Matemera, said the financial institution was committed to DeMbare’s cause both at home and on the continent but were restrained by limited resources this year due to the difficult economic environment.

Matemera, however, hinted to a long-term marriage and hailed the Adidas kit deal which has given Dynamos a more professional outlook, besides the obvious financial benefits through the sale of replica shirts and branded merchandise.

“When we started sponsoring Dynamos some four years ago, our objective was to transform through Dynamos the level and standards of football in Zimbabwe.

“We knew it was going to be a long journey and we knew we could not do it on our own. So when we welcomed Adidas to partner us last year, we knew we were in the right direction.

“We also think that through our partnership with Adidas we should be able to do more to now enhance the team’s financial position and to enhance as well the image of soccer in Zimbabwe.

“We know the fans have always been asking us why we didn’t sponsor the Champions League this year.

“The economy is difficult but we will always stand behind Dynamos and we think this year from what we have so far seen and what the minister (Webster Shamu) was telling me about how the boys played in DRC we think we are in good faith to go back to Africa next year,” said Matemera.

Dynamos won the championship for the third time last year to get another ticket to play in the Champions League but they struggled following the withdrawal of support from BancABC.

The Harare giants unveiled their new kits yesterday, two days after rivals Highlanders had received their share under a deal brokered by the two clubs’ sponsors BancABC last year.

The home jersey is a plain blue design.

In contrast with the last season V-neck shirts, the jersey has a “round neck design and also features climacool technology that allows ventilation moisture management and, providing optimum and performance to keep the players cool and comfortable while performing at their peak.”

Adidas Sports Marketing Manager Bob Maphosa said their company is delighted by the partnership with Dynamos and have sought to grow the market by increasing the number of replicas to be sold.

There were only 3 000 units available at the launch but Maphosa revealed the number would increase according to demand.

“This year we have better plans to try and make them available to the people. We are going to be more visible maybe around the team’s home games speaking to the normal supporter the advantages of buying a replica because it in turn benefits the club.

“We have 3 000 now available at the launch but then there after we can always add numbers as and when there is demand. The good thing about it is that they will also be available in South Africa where our local retailers have said they want stock, it has been positive.

“We have enjoyed growth in the market and have set a high standard for sports retailers in Zimbabwe. As a result together with DeMbare we will raise the professional football even higher this season through consumer activation, promotion and competition initiative that Adidas support the club and significantly improve the offering to the Dynamos member,” said Maphosa.

Maphosa said Adidas were impressed by Dynamos performance on the domestic front after the Glamour Boys retained the championship in 2013.

Club chairman Kenny Mubaiwa hailed the deal and urged the supporters to buy original replicas which benefit the club.

The replicas will be sold at US$50 each.

“I would like to thank BancABC for brokering the deal. BancABC, if I may say, have done a lot for the club. For Dynamos to be where it is today it’s because of BancABC.

“We also thank Adidas for the professional look of our team. We also have replicas for sale which means we are no longer going to see those cheap pirate jerseys being sold like what has been happening. Now make sure that you buy Adidas jersey in order to support the club,” said Mubaiwa.

Dynamos patron Webster Shamu, who graced the event, said he hoped the deal would be beneficial to both Dynamos and Adidas.

Shamu also urged the supporters to play a positive part.

“We want to believe we are the masters of our own destiny. Therefore, I would like to see this relationship transcending into the minds of our huge following of support, that they must know that the strength of Dynamos lies in them.

“And we, as the supporters of Dynamos, must be better organised and be able to contribute towards the welfare of our players and the welfare of our administrators.

“To have BancABC and Adidas with us in Dynamos it shows they have confidence in the leadership of Dynamos. Only recently I was being shown accounts and balance sheets which are up to date, which is what we feel should always be upheld in anything that we do concerning financial transactions and running for the club or any other business.

“That confidence must only end in Dynamos but the spirit of honesty and transparency must have a national outlook and Dynamos is indeed playing its part. Therefore, I take it that today is yet another milestone as we move towards getting to a stage where the city fathers could understand Dynamos must have its own stadium,” said Shamu.
Dynamos national supporters’ co-ordinator Moses Chikwariro said supporters should back the deal by buying the jerseys.

“I think the partnership is still in its infancy but we believe the generality of the supporters are now beginning to appreciate that they need to be dressed properly with branded replicas.

“If you look at 2013, a number of supporters had begun to purchase the jerseys. We are encouraging our supporters to buy the Adidas brand because it has a direct benefit to the team.

“If you look at the price of the jersey here in Zimbabwe I think it’s a fair price given the difference with the Orlando Pirates jersey which is going for about 700 rand as compared to ours which is at US$50 which is roughly 500 rand,” said Chikwariro.