adminEddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
ORGANISERS of the exhibition match between the touring World Class Legends and their Zimbabwean counterparts have scrapped gate charges to woo football-loving Zimbabweans to the football match set for Wednesday at the National Sports Stadium.
The match, a brainchild of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority in collaboration with the World Class Legends, was originally scheduled for last weekend, but the plans fell through because of logistical challenges.
But a galaxy of former football stars who include Fernando Morientes, Gianluca Zambrotta, Francesco Coco, Patrick Kluivert, Julio Baptista and Edmilson have since arrived in the country with more expected between today and Wednesday. The purpose of the match is to market the country as a tourist and investment destination under the Government policy of “Zimbabwe is open for business.”
The legends have already toured Victoria Falls with Kariba, Eastern Highlands, Great Zimbabwe, local suburbs like Mbare, Chitungwiza, Mabvuku, Tafara, Kuwadzana, Kambuzuma, Mufakose and many other high and low density suburbs also on their itinerary.
World Class Legends chief executive officer Rayco Garcia, who facilitated the successful visit by Barcelona legends last year, said the match was crucial to take Zimbabwe to the world as a tourist and investment destination.
“We came in two groups and I have to say we are lucky all the players that have come have been champions in Europe. The idea is to promote the country to the rest of the world especially Europe.
“All these guys are big stars there and all the people who follow Real Madrid, Barcelona and English Premiership know them very well.
“So when they see their pictures in Victoria Falls, Kariba or the National Sports Stadium, it’s good to use them as a platform to promote the country,” said Garcia. ZTA host celebrities as part of its perception management project, whose effect is to prove that Zimbabwe is a safe tourist and business destination.
Renowned American television personality and philanthropist Chanita Foster, who is in the country to explore business opportunities, was introduced as the guest star. Wednesday’s match follows up the successful hosting of the Barcelona Legends last year with an almost capacity crowd gracing the giant stadium to get a glimpse of the former stars.
ZTA last month signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Class Legends represented by Garcia.
The initiative was also endorsed by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira and the La Liga director for Africa Antonio Barradas.
leeroy
Online Reporter