Online Reporter
Blessed Moyo, Sports Writer
THE Rhino Cup Champions League soccer season is set to kick off this weekend, following a significant sponsorship deal with Herentals College.
The league, an innovative initiative aimed at harnessing the power of football to combat poaching and uplift communities near the Hwange National Park and surrounding conservancies, has received a substantial US$5,000 boost for its season-opening tournament.
In an interview with Zimpapers Sports Hub, league co-ordinator Ndodana Masuku expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating that the sponsorship project has generated considerable interest among potential investors and participants.
“We are hoping that during the course of the year, we’ll have other partners coming on board,” he revealed.
Masuku credited Herentals College for embracing their vision, agreeing to partner with the league by sponsoring a tournament for men, girls and juniors.
This collaboration has injected new life into the league, providing a platform for local talent to shine while promoting conservation efforts.
Masuku said the league is set to kick off with a thrilling group-stage format, featuring 20 clubs competing for the top prize in groups of five at four venues.
“The 20 clubs will be divided into four groups of five teams each, with an elimination format in place,” he said.
The two top teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, while the rest will be eliminated.
“The competition will then progress to the semi-finals, followed by the highly anticipated finals,” said Masuku.
Masuku revealed that the entire tournament is expected to run for a month, promising an action-packed and suspenseful ride for football fans.
In addition to the main tournament, the girls’ and juniors’ teams will also compete in the same format, providing a platform for young and emerging talent to shine.
The league is set to feature a total of 42 teams across three categories, with 20 teams competing in the men’s division, 12 teams in the juniors’ division, and 10 in the women’s.
Masuku said the tournament promises to be an exciting and highly competitive event, with teams vying for top honours in each category.
The sponsorship deal with Herentals College has provided a significant boost to the tournament, enabling the organisers to provide essential equipment to all participating teams.
“The sponsorship is specifically for purchasing required equipment, including footballs, which will be provided to all teams,” Masuku explained.
In addition, the sponsorship will cover prize money, medals and trophies for the winners, as well as payment for referees officiating the matches.
Masuku unveiled an ambitious programme line-up for the year, featuring a range of initiatives aimed at promoting conservation, education and community engagement.
He said the organisation is committed to building on its success in using football as a platform for social and environmental change.
“Key programmes and initiatives slated for the year include a sports medicine workshop for team medics, Fifa Connect, an online registration platform for all participating clubs, campaigns against drug and substance abuse and anti-poaching initiatives in partnership with various stakeholders,” he said.
Masuku expressed his pride in the league’s achievements to date, noting that the level of poaching and land degradation in the region has significantly decreased.
To further incentivise conservation efforts, the league will recognise and reward teams that demonstrate exceptional commitment to environmental conservation, both on and off the pitch.
The most active teams, along with their supporters, will be eligible to receive a trophy and other incentives at the end of the year, providing a tangible motivation for teams to prioritise conservation and community engagement.
