Mbada unveil hefty package for Buffaloes

and training equipment yesterday.
At a colourful ceremony held at a Mutare hotel, the army side, who gained promotion following an impressive run in the Zifa Eastern Region Division One campaign last year, received two sets of playing kits, soccer balls and US$100 000 cash.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mbada Diamonds chief administration officer, Major Mahlangu, said his company was happy to be associated with the team that is showing a lot of confidence ahead of the 2012 season.
“We are happy to unveil this sponsorship to Buffaloes FC ‘Watungwa Watungwa Ndombolo’ who did the province proud.
“I am humbled to stand before you to support a worthy cause.
“Mbada Diamonds, through its corporate social responsibility programme, is this afternoon extending a donation to Buffaloes FC.
“I congratulate the team for making the province proud by winning the Premiership ticket for this season.
“Soccer is a game that has, since time immemorial, brought together teams, business and the community at large.
“The sponsorship is made up of two complete sets of uniforms, 40 track suits, 30 training bibs, six pairs of training gloves and 30 footballs and nets.
“We have also given them US$ 100 000 to meet winning bonuses, travel and accommodation costs.
“You remain the pride of Manicaland so you should benefit immensely,” said Mahlangu.
Buffaloes chairman Nhlanganiso Matangaidze saluted the team’s new partners.
“We are very grateful for this gesture extended to us by Mbada Diamonds,” said Matangaidze.
“As Buffaloes we are hopeful that we will repay the confidence invested in us.
“On behalf of the Mutare community, and the team, we thank you for this donation,” Matangaidze said.  
Buffaloes, who recruited Saul Chaminuka as their head coach during the off-season break, are looking forward to a bright season.
The club’s president, Lazarus Gutu, said he was hopeful the sponsorship will boost the team.
The Premiership season is set to begin at the end of the month.
“Your donation is a morale-booster for the team and we will take it further.
“We promise not to let the Mutare and Manicaland soccer-loving people down.
“This is a much-needed donation and we urge the volunteering partners to keep on supporting sport.
“Sport is a unifying factor and we are happy that we will be playing at the highest level this season.
“We had decent pre-season preparations having beaten Black Mambas 2-1 and drawn 1-1 with Dynamos and CAPS United.
“We now look forward to achieving better results as this has motivated us very much,” Gutu said. 
Mbada Diamonds have made a huge impact on the domestic football scene since they announced their arrival last year.
The mining giant unveiled the country’s richest knockout tournament last year that included all the 16 teams.
They went on to support Motor Action in their failed Confederation Cup adventure by availing financial resources and kit.
The Mighty Bulls had qualified on the Mbada Diamonds Cup ticket after finishing as runners-up to Dynamos, who instead chose to play in the prestigious Champions League.