Chronicle Editor
Nkosilathi Sibanda, nkosilathi.sibanda @ chronicle.co.zw
PONEL Youth Soccer Academy (PYSA) director Nelson Ndeka said the release of their branded sports apparel on the market has proved to be a good move as they are now able to get income to sustain the institution.
The Dete-based talent development academy has been running a side business of selling shirts, hats and other sportswear following the opening of a shop in the area.
Ndeka said they were receiving good response but said more needs be done.
“After launching our branded sportswear, we have been slowly getting the little income that has got us somewhere as an academy. First and foremost, it’s helping us to have an identity in the community.
“The community of Dete and surrounding areas is very supportive.
“We appreciate the support from parents and others who continue to buy our stuff.
“To some extent the volume of sales is indicating the brand growth.
“What we are realising from selling our sportswear is helping the academy to fund some of the operations,” said Ndeka.
He said on their part as an academy, they have also instilled a culture of branding as they encourage players to make sure they wear the academy’s brand.
“As a unit our boys can easily be identified as they walk for a match or training session and so are our partners in the community.
“It’s also an effort to instil a culture to the boys and have them grow under a professional environment that values identity.
“We foresee the academy being an example of how to make sport a meaningful development and business as well.
“Going forward, we plan to open more shops in Lupane, Binga, Hwange, Victoria Falls and Bulawayo.
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