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THE Zifa Northern Region Division One league enters a new era today when the first sponsored knock-out tournament in the history of the second-tier league gets underway at Lafarge.High-flying Gunners host unpredictable Starbill in the first of the quarter-finals in their backyard today, with Bindura United taking on Ngezi Platinum in the other match at Trojan tomorrow.
For a league that didn’t even have a sponsor at the end of last season, the Northern Region Division One has undergone a complete transformation in a landmark year for the clubs and their leadership this season.
The Northern Region leadership secured a sponsor for their championship in a deal in which they partnered Japanese company World Navi while, today, the Yadah TV Cup explodes into life at Lafarge.
The US$30 000 tournament is bankrolled by Prophet Walter Magaya’s Yadah TV. Northern Region chairman Willard Manyengavana yesterday said everything was set for the big kick-off.
“It’s a big day for our league and we are sure everything will sail smoothly because it’s important that we ensure that we make a good impression,” said Manyengavana.
“We are excited that our teams will play in a knock-out tournament and, hopefully, the games will live up to expectations and give the fans value for money.
“This is a good time for our league and we also want to advise people that we have now received the raffle licence for the cars that people can win by buying a US$1 raffle ticket as part of the league sponsorship package.
“The two cars that must be won are already here and we hope there will be a lot of interest in the raffle.”
Manyengavana also hailed Yadah TV.
“The coming on board of Yadah TV is a very welcome development, especially taking into account that sponsorship is hard to come by these days,” Manyengavana said.
“Corporate organisations are focusing more on their business basics in a bid to adjust and fight the obtaining liquidity crunch. We are naturally delighted when we have organisations such as Yadah TV sponsoring the beautiful game of football.
“As the World Navi Northern Region Division One league, we highly value the sponsorship as it helps us to take soccer from one level to another.”
The Herald Readers Reaction Online To The Yadah TV Cup Deal
Maenzanise: That’s a noble idea Prophet Magaya, it’s high time we Zimbabweans should know that without God we won’t achieve anything, but with God nothing is impossible. Football in Zimbabwe will be so different if only we acknowledge the presence of God and for sure God will never forsake us, we will always be on top. Thank you Jesus.
KeepItUp: Glory be to God, we thank you Prophet Magaya for the sponsor(ship) of football in Zimbabwe. The gospel should be spread widely in soccer.
Tadana: Yadah Yadah . . . we are taking over. Mbiri kuna Jesu, pamberi nebhora
Mellisa: We give all the glory to God . . . many thanks to Prophet Magaya and Yadah TV.
Kudzai: Wow, this is good . . . first time ever to be done by a Prophet..thank you Prophet Magaya.
Taurai: Tambai bhora vakomana (singing), I urge more companies to come on board, too, for the betterment of our nation Zimbabwe.
Slivia: Through God Zimbabwe will not be looked down upon. Tambai bhora akoma. We thank you Prophet MAGAYA and may God increase you in Jesus’s name.
Grace: Thank you Yadah TV and the man of God Prophet W. Magaya. May the Lord increase you in Jesus’ Mighty Name!
Phylis: We are taking over everything . . . Yadah
Logic: For sure we can rise again, we know that with your support Prophet Magaya, football is going to be taken on another level.
Chido: Thank you Lord for blessing Prophet Magaya, surely Zimbabwe Football can rise again, in Jesus nothing is impossible.
Online Reporter