Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHEN Mongameli Tshuma dazzled in the Battle of Zimbabwe for Highlanders at Rufaro just two weeks ago, it was difficult to believe he played in the Southern Region Soccer League with Hwange last season.
The big question was how many more gems are in that league and are they getting enough support?
For the Southern Region, all that could come to an end after the league partnered with Pacific Breeze, an arrangement designed to uplift the standards of the game.
The league has since been re-branded to the Pacific Breeze Southern Region Soccer League, a move chairman Chris Mtungwazi says will improve many aspects.
“It has brought in soccer kits, it has brought in monthly prizes for excelling individual players and coaches. And there’s prize money at the end of the year, where the champions will be crowned, they will get a trophy, they will get medals and prize money for the individual players who excel during the course of the year,” said Mtungwazi.
“This in itself is motivation to the players to excel. And we hope that maybe this will uplift our football and make us compete nationally. Yes, we have struggled over the last few years, having fewer teams in the league and in the PSL.”
This development, he said, will not only lift the standards, but also benefit the country.
The league leadership is determined to maintain professionalism in what is supposed to be a mutually beneficial set-up.
“This is supposed to be a win-win partnership and we are confident that we will deliver for our sponsors and reward them for the confidence that they have in us.
“We are hoping that this could be a precursor to getting more sponsorships. This one is the major one that we have secured and they have sponsored the league. We are hopeful that our partnership with them will grow from strength to strength.”
The sponsors are not new to football, as they are also involved with the Eastern Region.
Asked about the latest deal, Pacific Breeze marketing manager Kudakwashe Chiutsi said they have a responsibility to support communities.
“Initiatives like this bring opportunities to communities. There’s so much talent at the grassroots level, which is why we target Division One. The potential is immense,” she said.
“People appreciate this kind of sponsorship because it inspires them to aim higher in whatever they do.
“ . . . We are looking forward to penetrate the southern region, making it a greater division within the league, and ensuring that football is appreciated and brings back the unity it always has, and maybe even more.”
