admin
Paul Pindani in CHEGUTU
MASHONALAND West Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo, has appealed to the corporate world to partner Chegutu Pirates ahead of their participation in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
The Pirates, one of the country’s best supported football clubs, finally made it into the top-flight league after winning the ZIFA Northern Region Division One League on the final day of last season.
Minister Chombo made the call during the team’s awards ceremony at Rukawo Hotel in Chegutu on Friday.
She said the club had done Mashonaland West proud by winning the league at the expense of favourites Black Mambas, who surrendered pole position on the penultimate weekend of the campaign.
Chegutu Pirates’ success came at almost the same time Ngezi Platinum were winning the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title, making it a unique double for the province.
The province will now have three teams in the Premiership this year — Chegutu Pirates, Ngezi Platinum and ZPC Kariba.
Minister Chombo said bringing the Premiership to Chegutu will not only provide livelihoods to the community, but also boost the economy of the town.
“However, the Premiership requires massive capital injection against other competing key service delivery issues such as provision of water, roads and refuse removal
“Operational costs have been pegged at around US$1 million dollars and Pfupajena Stadium upgrade requires an estimated US$500 000.
“Chegutu Council is open to business to engage and map the road for sustainable partnerships.
“The President’s mantra, nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, also applies to Chegutu Pirates as well.
“Dzinza rinovakwa nevene varo.”
Town Clerk, Jacob Chikuruwo, said his vision was to make sure that Chegutu municipality prospers, both in terms of sport and the economy.
“We are here to celebrate the success that has been registered. Just like any other council, we also face some challenges that hinder service delivery.
“Chegutu Pirates’ success gives us the platform and limelight that we deserve,” said Chikuruwo.
Chegutu Mayor, Rydes Machekera, said it was an honour to gather and witness the historic feat.
“While we, as council, had severe challenges in mobilising resources for service delivery, we nevertheless never neglected the social and entertainment aspect related to our beloved Chegutu Pirates team, which turned out to be our rallying morale — boosting point when the going got tough,” said Machekera.
Online Reporter