adminCurtworth Masango
ZIFA Harare Province Open Gold final pitting Dynamos Juniors and BN Academy is now finally set for Belgravia Sports Club at 11:00hrs on Saturday.
The division two league was bailed out by Open Gold, which chipped in with sponsorship worth $4 000usd. The cup winners will receive $2 000usd while the runners-up will walk with $1 000usd. The other $1 000usd is for logistics.
Speaking at the ZIFA House, Open Gold managing director said the sponsorship is going to stay as it is vital to sponsor junior football for the country to achieve the best results at the senior level.
“This sponsorship is not going to be a once-off. We are going to make it seasonal.
“Our football at the senior level as a country is not appealing, but we feel we have to correct it by sponsoring junior football,
“We will be sponsoring every year so that we can nurture the talent of our boys.”
He intends to extend the package to other parts of the country.
“I will be also sponsoring the Southern Region League as we also have our branch in Bulawayo.
“Next year our sponsorship will be better and bigger.
“It is for the love of football and to nurture talent.”
Chawonza said the corporate world will only chip in with more sponsorship if they see transparency and integrity in the league.
“I would like to see professionalism in the way we will be handling our games. No cheating in all ways. There should be integrity in those who are in administration,” he said.
“The corporate world runs away from scandals and they don’t want their name to be dragged in the mud.
“When we come here, we need a good name and would want to be associated with a good league.
“I also have colleagues in the industry who are business people who run companies. I will also drag them to come up with their sponsorship packages on their own,” he said.
ZIFA Harare Province Chairman, Robert Tembo said they are excited about the help they have received from Open Gold.
“We are excited that we have received this sponsorship. The good thing is that it’s not going to be a one-day off event but they have shown their will to stay with us.
“We are very grateful,” he said.
Online Reporter