adminAffiliation fees, referees’ charges, kits and players’ incentives are the major challenges faced by the club.
Rufaro Rovers, which is one of the oldest clubs in Hwange, has been involved in football for over 40 years and is based at Lwendulu Village.
The Dumisani Mafikeni-coached outfit has been hit hard by lack of sponsorship and club chairman Richard Sakala said they were on the verge of collapse if members of the corporate sector did not come to their rescue.
“It has been long without us having a major sponsor and we fear that all the work that has been done will crumble if we do not get a sponsor.
“All along we have been relying on handouts from well-wishers but we are saying there is a lot we need as a club and we need a sponsor to bail us out as it will pain us to let a lot of talent go to waste in Hwange,” Sakala said.
Rufaro Rovers who were formed during the colonial era have produced renowned soccer stars such as Obert Moyo, Method Mwanjali, Walter Tshuma as well as Brian Njobvu.
Their maiden year in the First Division saw them finishing on 11th position and Sakala said they were en route to the Premier Soccer League if funding improved.
“We have big plans for football and one day we want to play in the elite league. We boast of a cream of the crop of players who have worked tirelessly without any remuneration.
“The whole year they were playing for almost nothing and it is hard for players to play football without little motivation.
“We are therefore hoping the corporate sector can come to our rescue and help us showcase talent from this part of the country and take the boys off the streets,” he said.
Sakala, however, said they were grateful to the material and moral support they were receiving from the Hwange community, Hwange Colliery, Trevor Sambo, Chief Nekatambe, among others who have been with them through difficult times.
“We are also grateful to the players and the technical team who have put their hands together despite the lack of motivation in our club,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter