Highlanders debut at ZITF

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO soccer giants Highlanders are exhibiting at this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair for the first time, with club chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede saying they want to interact with fans and potential partners at the country’s premier business expo.

The 57th edition of the ZITF roared into life yesterday and is set to end on Saturday.

Highlanders are following in the footsteps of national association Zifa, which was the first to exhibit at the annual business expo in 2013, followed by the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League in 2014.

While the PSL are at the ZITF for a third consecutive year, Zifa are notable absentees.

Gumede said their presence at the ZITF is in the spirit of Highlanders’ 90th anniversary celebrations.

“In a year where we’re celebrating 90 years of existence, we saw it proper to make our presence felt in all spheres and there’s no better place to showcase the Highlanders brand than at the ZITF,” said Gumede.

“As Highlanders, we’re not only the oldest club in Zimbabwe, but the biggest and we’re proud of that. The objective is to make ourselves visible and probably unlock deals with some corporate companies that are here. We also want to hear what people think about us and how they feel we can improve,” he said.

The club’s memorabilia and newsletters detailing Highlanders’ 90-year history are available at the stand in Hall 3.

Following a satisfactory start to the 2016 PSL season in which they have won two games and lost one, Highlanders’ stand is likely to draw the public’s attention on Friday when the first team players will mingle with the fans.

PSL communications and liaison officer Kudzai Bare is hopeful interactions at the ZITF will improve the league’s image.

“Obviously we’re excited to be here for a third consecutive year and we’re not looking back. We’re here to showcase who we are and get ideas on how best we can improve our brand. Exhibiting at the ZITF also gives us an opportunity to showcase our products while engaging with our key strategic partners, the football fans, present and potential sponsors,” said Bare.

She said the PSL had lined up a number of exciting activities from tomorrow that will see some people who visit their stand winning prizes. The PSL stand is also in Hall 3.