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Collin Matiza Sports Editor
YOUNG Axcil Jefferies’ dream of competing in this year’s Formula Two season might have been shattered after he failed to secure sponsorship from Zimbabwe which could have seen him joining Italian motor racing team Trident. Jefferies, who turns 20 next month, had a pre-season testing last week in Abu Dhabi with Trident Racing Team who, however, indicated that the promising young Zimbabwean driver should secure a full sponsorship package from home which would enable him to join them for this season.
In fact, Trident Racing Team gave Jefferies a March 13 deadline for him to secure the sponsorship, but nothing came through for him at the end of business on that day as his plea for financial support from the corporate world in Zimbabwe fell on deaf ears and as a result was left facing the prospect of not racing this season.
A downhearted Jefferies confirmed on his Facebook wall yesterday that he failed to secure the sponsorship that could have seen him joining Trident Racing Team for this year’s Formula Two season.
“So . . . we weren’t able to secure any sponsorship, so will miss this week’s test. Really disappointed for all the people who were following us, as I know what we were doing made a lot of people in Africa proud! Anyway we will not give up!! I would like to thank @trident_team for all their patience and the opportunity they gave us. I hope someone can support our dream,” Jefferies wrote.
His father, Suhail, also posted on Facebook: “Not a cent from Zim and we have passed our deadline.”
And this saw Jefferies getting a lot of sympathy from his hordes of followers on Facebook at home and abroad.
But Jefferies must have been left a very disappointed young man after this latest episode in his promising motor racing career as only a month ago he returned home to Zimbabwe where he met a number of prominent people in both the public and private sector who all pledged to source funds for him.
He also met Vice President Joice Mujuru and the Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga, who both assured the nation that they would support the promising young motor racing driver in his quest to become a fully-fledged Formula One racer.
However, Jefferies is likely to miss this year’s Formula Two racing season after he failed to secure a seat in Trident Racing Team as he could not get some strong financial backing which could have seen him racing for the Italian team.
Motorsport in Zimbabwe struggles to get decent sponsorship from the corporate world although mobile network companies NetOne and Telecel have recently come to the rescue of motocross and drag racing, the two events which are also enjoying some good support from the local motorsport fans.
People’s reactions on Facebook
Muneer Walele: We supporting you no matter what.
Kuda Charangwa: Sad news indeed, tough times, but hope is alive. Keep the faith.
Bongani Madaka: Keep on Axcil gates will open soon.
Alessandro Brambilla: Push mate!
Marv Nyeps: Ah man sad newz man . . . keep the faith.
Kudzai Kevin Sambana: You made us proud as a nation and we will all rally to get you there for the next one. Never stop milk brother. How far you got was a great achievement on it’s own.
Phanuel Mavunga: It is well, good things on your way…
Ru Nayamkura: It shall be well Axcil!!!
Dalaza KaNdlovu: So, when you say you could not secure sponsorship . . . how much money are we talking about? can we pass a hat around?..
Ron Mugabi Mugisha: All will be well my brother . . . hit back with a jab. We will support you always. You do Africa proud each day you wake up to represent.
Charlie Gaze: Don’t give up buddy, you’ve made everyone proud. That top drive will come!
David Coltart: I am sorry to hear of this. Never give up.
Online Reporter