NetOne to sponsor Charity Shield

By Eddie Chikamhi
MOBILE phone network operator NetOne are set to be unveiled as the sponsors of this year’s Charity Shield tomorrow.
NetOne are coming on board exactly one week after the Premier Soccer League announced the return of Delta Beverages as the title sponsors for the league under their Castle Lager brand.
PSL chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele yesterday confirmed the company will bankroll the season-opening match but could not give details on the value of the sponsorship and the duration.
“The chairman was handling the issue but I understand everything is in place and there is going to be a Press conference on Friday when all the questions will be addressed,” said Ndebele.
NetOne’s marketing department also confirmed the launch of the sponsorship.
The Charity Shield was sponsored by Zaoga Church last season as part of their Golden Jubilee celebrations and featured clubs that finished in the top four the previous season.
Dynamos won the tournament after beating Highlanders 1-0 and pocketed US$35 000 while Bosso received US$15 000 for reaching the final.
This year, the showdown will feature Premiership reigning champions Motor Action against last year’s winners of the country’s premier Cup competition Dynamos.
DeMbare were crowned cup champions after beating CAPS United 4-3 in the final of the BancABC Sup8r tournament at the National Sports Stadium.
The Charity Shield match is likely to mirror the close football rivalry that existed between the two clubs last season.
Although they finished equal on points, Motor Action ended the season on top of the table and were crowned champions for their first time in their 10-year history because of a superior goal difference.
DeMbare were left licking their wounds after finishing in second place for the third year running.
Motor Action coach Joey Antipas said both clubs are taking part in the Champions League tournament this year and the Charity Shield match will give them good preparations for their first round ties slotted for the following weekend.
DeMbare will face MC Alger of Algeria while Motor Action date former African champions Asec Mimosas of Cote d’Ivoire in two week’s time.
The Mighty Bulls coach Antipas yesterday said they expect a good run against the Harare giants.
“Dynamos are doing very well and they have a strong youthful team that played good passing football against CAPS last week.
“We definitely have a game in our hands but I should say by the time we play them we will be fully prepared for them.
“We are building on our momentum and our combinations are coming up very well.
“The players are just about there in terms of fitness levels and we hope to put up a good show and get a positive result,” said Antipas.