. . . get timely boost

Zimbabwe Rugby Union signed a US $200 000 with Delta Beverages through their Lion Lager brand, reports Paul Munyuki.
After almost a decade of unbranded rugby action, the National Rugby League approached Delta and this was when the beverage giants extended their hand to the whole rugby family.
The last time Delta were involved in Rugby was in 2002 when they ran the then Lion Lager League but Delta pulled out sighting economic challenges.
However, yesterday was a bright day for the rugby fraternity as Delta led by marketing director Max Karombo, showed their confidence in the sport that is beginning to rise again after years of struggling on the international scene.
The hand unveiling ceremony was held at the Lions Den where Lion Lager officials indicated that they will take care of both the Sables and the league.
Funding has been the main problem for the Union to carry out most of their duties including development, and general administration of the sport from the ZRU office down to the clubs.
The ZRU have over the years been relying on an annual grant from the International Rugby Board who provided around 70 000 British Pounds every year and this is not enough to cater for most of the rugby needs.
“We will also be looking at other aspects and other forms of the game for those aged above 18 years of age as we need to get the Sables back on the map.
“I would also like to congratulate the side for they did the nation proud in Uganda where they got victories over Uganda and Madagascar.
“We are proud to be behind the Sables and we know that the nation expects a win and we also wish you all the best,” said Karombo.
ZRU president Sithembilenkosi “Themba” Sibanda believes this is more of a partnership than a sponsorship, as this will benefit both the ZRU and Delta in the long run.
“We are happy to re-associate with Delta and we are looking forward to a fruitful partnership and this will make the rugby system different because we did not have the funds and sponsorship to do.
“Its good that Delta got back and I believe that this is a partnership not a sponsorship because there is mutual benefit because this will also see us competing at the highest level.
“I know Zimbabwe are well prepared to face Kenya and we will have a good game but rugby will be the big winner at the end of the day,” said the former Harare Sports Club administrator.
Delta marketing executive Stan Muchenje said the sponsorship is for three years but the US $200 000 is for this year and this will be split by the rugby mother-body.
“For starters we have a three year deal that will be renewed and reviewed and renewed depending on how well the money is used and also on how the relationship will be going.
“We are just handing over the money to the Zimbabwe Rugby union and they best know how they are going to distribute the money among their beneficiaries,” said Muchenje.
One of the beneficiaries will be the National Rugby League whose share of the sponsorship is expected to cover ambulance charges, transport expenses, referee match fees among other costs.
Delta became the second company to join the growing list of ZRU sponsors following Spar who are involved with the Cheetahs while Chemayde Pharmacies are also with the Sables.
Owned by Nicky Dlamini-Dube, the medicinal retailing company indicated that they will take care of the Sables medical needs for the whole of the 2011 season.
However, Sables coach Brandon Dawson was delighted with the sponsorship they received yesterday at the Lions Den saying it will go a long way in the development of the game.
“Obviously this is a good thing for Zimbabwe rugby and sponsorship is something that has been lacking in the game maybe due to the economic problems everyone was facing.
“But this is good thing for the development of the game and with new talent coming through I am sure we they will also be able to compete at the top level if we continue getting sponsorship.
“I am sure this marks the beginning of development of rugby in Zimbabwe.
“We have players in the national team who are willing to see the game go forward and if the players are willing to do so then let them come in because it is a development we need,” said the former Sables forward.
Kenya manager Wangila Simiyu said: “I am sure you know that the Kenya rugby symbol is a lion and we are the real lions so we are the owners of the lion here.
“It is a boost for your team and we also take it as a boost for us as well but it is a good thing for development but as Kenya we would like to go back with what belongs to us.”