PSL clubs urged to create business synergies at ZITF

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
THE Premier Soccer League has challenged clubs to take advantage of the ongoing 56th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair to create business synergies that will develop their brands.Exhibiting for the second time following an overwhelming response in their maiden appearance last year, the country’s flagship football league is targeting to court potential foreign partners.

The PSL seem to be inspired by the trade fair’s theme — Stimulating Trade, Seizing Opportunities to Accelerate Growth.

Kennedy Ndebele, the PSL chief executive officer said: “Football is business and we have to be innovative in our approach and seize opportunities like these — the ZITF.”

“Investment comes in many ways and as a league, we’re hoping that next year we’ll have all the 16 clubs exhibiting here at the ZITF. There are lots of opportunities. Investors might want to use football as a vehicle to drive their products and those are opportunities that clubs must be on the lookout for.”

The veteran administrator noted that revenue generated from the gate takings can’t sustain operations of clubs hence the need to look for partners.

Clubs can generate meaningful revenue through sale of advertising space on their playing kits, something that teams in developed countries have undertaken.

With a number of motor vehicle companies, financial institutions and mobile network companies exhibiting at the ZITF, innovative clubs can establish contacts from the exhibition centre.

Besides establishing relations with investors, Ndebele said they are at the ZITF to interact with the public, consumers of their products.

“We want to interact with the business community and public outside the stadium. What we’re doing here is to showcase our football product. Last year, we had football enthusiasts coming to our stand and the interaction we had was great. That has even shaped what we exhibit today,” said Ndebele.

The PSL is taking advantage of their exhibition to encourage fans to desist on football related violence.