Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
PACIFIC Storm, the cigarette manufacturer sponsoring the Eastern Region Division One League with naming rights, is refurbishing all match venues used by participating clubs across the region.
In Mutare, for instance, renovations at Sakubva Stadium, including the installation of branded materials, are already underway.
Roadshows have been taking place in the eastern border city since Wednesday to promote the league’s match of the month between Tenax FC and St Paul’s Musami, scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday) at Sakubva Stadium.
Festivities will commence at 12pm, ahead of the 3pm kick-off.
Although the exact value of the sponsorship package remains undisclosed, Pacific Storm’s involvement appears to be alleviating the financial burden on the league’s administration and its constituent clubs.
Fielding questions during the 1 326th full council meeting on Monday, City of Mutare Deputy Housing Director, Noel Mushangwe said: “Pacific Storm is currently sponsoring the Eastern Region Division One League, and their sponsorship package includes refurbishing match venues used by teams in the league. This initiative extends beyond Mutare, covering all the three provinces within the region.
“They plan to install ground billboards, framed banners, nets, scoreboards, corner flags, and other necessary materials to enhance the match venues. Their advertising materials will also feature on these items, effectively assisting us in procuring essential equipment that we may have needed to acquire in the future.”
When contacted for comment, Eastern Region chairman, Simba Wisdom said: “The bid by Pacific cigarettes manufacturing company, through its Storm brand, is a positive development for stadium owners. The branding and refurbishment have made a significant impact. I hope that by the end of the season, all match venues will have been renovated, and participating teams will have received branded kits.”
Pacific Storm public relations officer, Kudakwashe Chiutsi said: “As part of our sponsorship package for the Eastern Region Soccer League, launched earlier this year, we have initiated a programme aimed at refurbishing match venues used by affiliated clubs.
“This endeavour seeks to enhance the infrastructure and professional outlook of these venues. In Mutare, for instance, we will be conducting roadshows to promote Saturday’s match at Sakubva Stadium, one of the venues earmarked for renovation.”
