Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
PREMIER Soccer League (PSL) clubs have embraced the inaugural Kuzana Sport and Creative Economy Expo, describing the platform as an important step towards commercialising Zimbabwean sport and creating meaningful connections across the industry.
The five-day expo, which is running at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo, has brought together players, administrators, clubs, businesses, creatives and other stakeholders under one roof, with the common objective of unlocking the economic potential of sport.
For the PSL clubs exhibiting at Kuzana, the event has provided an opportunity not only to showcase their brands but also to learn from others and explore ways of building stronger and more sustainable sporting institutions.
Highlanders legend Lawrence Phiri said the club was privileged to partner with the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture in the inaugural expo, which also forms part of the club’s centenary celebrations.
“We are very privileged to be partnering with the Ministry of Sport in this inaugural expo, Kuzana, which also falls into our celebration of the Centenary celebrations,” said Phiri.
He also used the occasion to rally supporters to turn out in numbers for Sunday’s eagerly anticipated centenary clash against Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium.
“We call on people to buy tickets and come in their numbers for the game against Dynamos on Sunday, which will cap the exhibition,” he said.
Herentals owner Innocent Benza said Kuzana was providing an important platform for the commercialisation of football while giving clubs greater visibility.
“This is a great initiative in terms of pushing for the commercialisation of the game and also placing our teams in the spotlight,” said Benza.
Bulawayo Chiefs were among the clubs given an opportunity to exhibit at the expo, with club spokesperson Benhilda Chauruka saying the experience had allowed sporting institutions to share knowledge and ideas.
“We are grateful as Bulawayo Chiefs to have been awarded this opportunity to come to Kuzana where we are interacting and learning from other people who are in the sporting fraternity like us,” she said.
Chicken Inn spokesperson Brighton Ncube said the expo had created room for sport and the creative sector to exchange ideas while helping clubs identify opportunities for growth.
“Kuzana is a good opportunity for sport and artists to explore and exchange ideas. This is a good platform to grow your club,” said Ncube.
Simba Bhora administrator Isaac Parishi also welcomed the initiative, highlighting the networking opportunities created by the expo.
“This is a good initiative. It has created a hub for sports players to meet and also for other stakeholders to meet. There has been a lot of exposure for stakeholders. It has been a good experience for stakeholders in the industry,” said Parishi.
Telone’s Sindiso Dube said: “The exhibition signals a progressive shift in local sports management. Beyond fighting for three points on the pitch, modern football clubs must navigate commercial growth, community integration, and brand expansion. We are happy to be here and we wish to see more clubs taking part in the next editions,” said Dube.
The participation of PSL clubs at Kuzana reflects the expo’s wider ambition of making sport a commercial enterprise capable of generating investment, employment and sustainable opportunities.
Other football institutions represented at the exhibition include FC Platinum and Zifa Southern Region outfit Aqua Stars.
With clubs traditionally focused primarily on competition and results, Kuzana has provided a different playing field, one where branding, business, partnerships, innovation and long-term sustainability have taken centre stage.
