Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN a move that redefines fan engagement, Scottland have gone a level higher by exhibiting at this year’s Harare Agriculture Show.
The ambitious club is using the platform to sow the seeds of a global brand, directly connecting players with the public.
Club executives and first-team players were on hand at their stand, engaging with curious fans.
The initiative is a core part of a strategy to build a new brand from the ground, according to club vice-chairman Beadle Musa Gwasira.
“We are here to exhibit so that people will know about Scottland Football Club,” said Gwasira.
“They will know about our players, they will know about the club, how to join. We are registering new members who want to come and support Scottland.”
This approach sets Scottland apart on the domestic football scene where community outreach often ends at the stadium gates.
“Other clubs believe football is on the pitch, but we’ve seen going the extra mile,” Gwasira said.
“Here, we are building a new brand. It’s a new kid on the block. So we are here to market ourselves.
“We want to be known all over the world.”
He added:
“Some of the people see these players, maybe, in newspapers, on television. Now they can talk to them. So they are here to interact with our supporters.
“The big picture is we want to bring those European clubs, like what used to happen during the ‘80s when the likes of Coventry City were coming to Zimbabwe.
“We want to promote our nation.
“We want to promote our tourism industry through football,” said Gwasira.
Defender Godknows Murwira said it was a special moment.
“Usually, fans see us from a distance but today they had a chance to meet us, greet us and ask questions.”
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