Online Reporter
Robson Sharuko
Metros Editor
WHEN we published an article this week in which businessman Scott Sakupwanya said he would like to see winners of the Castle Lager Premiership getting US$3 million, we did not know that it was going to trigger a tsunami.
But, this is exactly what happened.
No other subject, in the domestic top-flight league this week, has generated as much debate as Scott’s proposal.
He said once organisers of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup decided to pay its winners US$1million, the package for winning the top-flight league had to be reviewed.
Winners of the league get US$100,000.
At no point in the interview did Scott criticise Delta Beverages, who are the flagship sponsors of the domestic Premiership.
However, some have chosen to twist the interview and give an impression that the Scottland president hit out at Delta Beverages.
The reality is that he even praised Delta Beverages for standing by the PSL in good, and bad times, even though he feels a review of the sponsorship package is needed.
His views have divided opinion.
Predictably, many have come out in support of Scott while others have questioned his comments.
Here are some of their views:
THOSE WHO AGREE WITH SCOTT . . .
I don’t see why it cannot be done, if there is a corporate that is willing to pour in the money. — Alois Bunjira
*****
If they can find such a sponsor, we just will have to welcome neka smile, it will surely make our league more competitive. — Chris Chorash
*****
US$100,000 against 23 players plus technical team and staff sounds like a monkey business. — Lawrence Madziwa
*****
Let those who dream say it out loud. After all, it’s not problem. Player welfare and quality of our soccer need to improve. How do you expect us to have better football for US100 000 the whole season? — Shepherd Mugwede
*****
Hapana paanyepa hake, mukomana is on point. — Tonderai Chigwende
*****
On point. We need to develop and build our national team from our local PSL. To do that, we need to keep and attract talent. — Kila Mkwananzi
*****
First time agreeing with Mr Scott, that’s true. We become a lucrative league to foreign players. — Banda Marshall Vusinhlanhla
*****
He is talking sense brother but first, at least, each club must have its own ground, not these landing ground that are not up to CAF standards. Scott Sakupwana, he means business but you have first to build standard grounds. — Isaac Rungisani
*****
His point is valid. Politics aside, kupinda kwe Scotland mu league kwakauisa ka change, even the way people engage changed as well. — Ronald Zimbodza
*****
I think he is making a good point there but I think this can be done gradually over a period of say five years, it will surely raise competition amongst teams. — Phillip Maunga
*****
He is walking the talk . . . our league is now a marvel to watch. Slowly but surely, we will get there. — Arnold Ndlovu
*****
l think he has a point and is making a lot of sense. l think one million is reasonable and more effort should go to upgrading facilities to bring them to CAF Level 2. They need to explore better TV rights. — Pottilo Manu
*****
We need to drink more Castle gentlemen. — Godie Mapuranga
*****
This is now football. — Rambirai Zvoma
*****
Makuzviwona ka kuti you are spending more than what you will get as prize money? — Blessing Tafara Muguti
*****
On this one I agree, we can’t be losing our stars to SA only for them to sit on the bench till they retire just because the salary is high. – Mthabisi Moyo
*****
He’s right because vane maclubs vakuburitsa more than US$100,000 to get US$100,000 so it doesn’t make sense. – Stuart Katsvete
*****
Yeah even half of that. – Brian Chizu
*****
Then we sign Haaland at DeMbare. – Ronald Guvise
*****
Understandable coz teams spend over US$100k during the season. – Mbalenhle Sibanda
*****
What a great idea Sir. You indeed have great insight on soccer in Zimbabwe. I believe through the planning and support from others that level can be reached. – Leo Kambe
*****
Yes. Scott is right coz expenses alone are more than US$100,000 a season. – Andrew Chauke
*****
Scottland president that’s a good idea just bail us out on that one, thank you. – Emmanuel Bizeki
*****
He has a point, ishoma it’s even lower than what clubs spend within one month. – Tatenda Mutsiveri
*****
Good idea, at least, some teams will be able to build their own stadiums than relying on City Council stadiums. We like such an approach. Thanks Scott, hope they will consider your views and act likewise. – Tafadzwa Chiutsi Siiwa
*****
Good thing is, he is into business as well, so he should also consider sponsoring the sport. – Phinos Chitongo
*****
That will be a stepping stone but US$3 million is for a single player not entire team or whole league e.g Neymar signed for US$225 million and that will sponsor us for 75 years (up to the year 2101) from a single signing. – Tafadzwa Garfield Kadondo
****
Increasing the quality of the game can bring in more sponsors. – Simbarashe P Tsetere
*****
I don’t like him Scott but on this aspect I support him. If the prize money is attractive, it invites even stiffer competition. More quality players will come to the league. – Ngoni Nyamutsamba
*****
Wise words from a man with a vision…..l liked how he appreciated the Chahwanda Stadium owner for a vision that has brought a community together. – Stephen Kazembe
*****
I think it makes sense like if a certain team gets US$3m it will actually upgrade its facilities and it gives us a lot of competition in local football coz everyone will be eyeing the big prize. – Mutanga Sony Anderson
*****
Firstly, I believed this guy was in it for a show off but now I’m convinced he really loves football and he has a vision, let’s give him the benefit of the doubt. – Mazz Njokweni
*****
Before we talk of US$3 million prize money that comes end of season, ZIFA must give teams monthly incentives like they do in South Africa, every team gets US$2million rand every month then we talk prize money. – Samuel Mwachinduka
*****
His idea is not bad at all so the livelihoods of players would be at another level hence attracting best players whilst they would refurbish stadiums. – Koura S Maraire
*****
Well said Mr Scott, Zimbabwe has a lot of talented young people but it’s being wasted coz they are running to other leagues outside the country like SA where they are sometimes being ill-treated. – Anywhere Mutandagayi
On this one I agree, we can’t be losing our stars to SA only for them to sit on the bench till they retire just because the salary is high. — Mthabisi Moyo
*****
He’s right because vane maclubs vakuburitsa more than US$100,000 to get US$100,000 so it doesn’t make sense. — Stuart Katsvete
*****
Yeah even half of that. — Brian Chizu
*****
Then we sign Haaland at DeMbare. — Ronald Guvise
*****
Understandable coz teams spend over US$100k during the season. — Mbalenhle Sibanda
*****
What a great idea Sir. You indeed have great insight on soccer in Zimbabwe. I believe through the planning and support from others that level can be reached. — Leo Kambe
*****
Yes. Scott is right coz expenses alone are more than US$100,000 a season. — Andrew Chauke
*****
Scottland president that’s a good idea just bail us out on that one, thank you. — Emmanuel Bizeki
*****
He has a point, ishoma it’s even lower than what clubs spend within one month. — Tatenda Mutsiveri
*****
Good idea, at least, some teams will be able to build their own stadiums than relying on City Council stadiums. We like such an approach. Thanks Scott, hope they will consider your views and act likewise. — Tafadzwa Chiutsi Siiwa
*****
Good thing is, he is into business as well, so he should also consider sponsoring the sport. — Phinos Chitongo
*****
That will be a stepping stone but US$3 million is for a single player not entire team or whole league e.g Neymar signed for US$225 million and that will sponsor us for 75 years (up to the year 2101) from a single signing. — Tafadzwa Garfield Kadondo
****
Increasing the quality of the game can bring in more sponsors. — Simbarashe P Tsetere
*****
I don’t like him Scott but on this aspect I support him. If the prize money is attractive, it invites even stiffer competition. More quality players will come to the league. — Ngoni Nyamutsamba
*****
Wise words from a man with a vision . . . l liked how he appreciated the Chahwanda Stadium owner for a vision that has brought a community together. — Stephen Kazembe
*****
I think it makes sense like if a certain team gets US$3m it will actually upgrade its facilities and it gives us a lot of competition in local football coz everyone will be eyeing the big prize. — Mutanga Sony Anderson
*****
Firstly, I believed this guy was in it for a show off but now I’m convinced he really loves football and he has a vision, let’s give him the benefit of the doubt. – Mazz Njokweni
THOSE WHO DISAGREE WITH SCOTT . . .
Hakuna zvakadaro zve US$3m. A lot has to be improved before we dream about such amounts. — Cephas Chimedza
*****
Even in South Africa, league winners don’t pocket that amount, US$3m — that’s a staggering prize money for a league without a headline sponsor. League Champions in Mzansi win around US$1 million (R20m) and all 16 clubs get around R3m monthly as a grant. Zimbabwe, without any approved FIFA/CAF stadium are dreaming to think sponsors can pour money in a league without CAF approved stadiums or broadcast rights. Even Malawi, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia have CAF approved stadiums while our National Sports Stadium has been going through renovations for five years now without completion. — Dominic Chimhavi (ex- SAFA spokesperson)
*****
Ngaaise US$15 million pa table toziva kuti for the next five years sponsorship is guaranteed. Castle Lager sponsorship is not much but it’s sustainable. Hatide kukanganisirwa a long standing arrangement nemoto wemapaper. — Silas John
*****
He basically wants to be the sponsor. — Simba G Chitsvare
*****
I have always said it, BetterBrands will come in as new sponsors. — Tanaka Maromo
*****
Who can afford that kind of sponsorship in Zimbabwe? If he wants to sponsor, then let him put that money on the table. — Timothy Clever
*****
It’s not about money bro, it’s all about the pride of football. The money is okay and enough according to the way they got the money, the trophy of the league is a reserved legacy of pride so when the right time comes they will increase. — Noberty Roby Hotelzy
*****
A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step ahead (Mao Zedong), too early for that. — Qiniso Hlongwani
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Ngatitangei taregera kumotambira bhora kune dzimwe nyika. — Biggie Cle
*****
The question he must answer before anything else is what do they get in return for putting that much in something that isn’t run professionally? — Trent Makoni
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Why can’t he sponsor? — Justice Zifunzi
*****
Why can’t he just add the $2.9m to help delta beverages? — Malikebo Eli
*****
US$3million prize for people who are playing in stadiums which look like a jungle? — Zviko Makwarimba
*****
Haaa mukuru, why can’t you just sponsor the league imimi coz surely game redu is still lacking zvakwanda, advertising, TV rights etc, etc. — Farai Mangemba
Delta have done more than enough. Yes,an increase in the prize money is welcome but ZIFA should also contribute and PSL shouls look for more sponsors. – Donald Nyakudya
*****
DeMbare waiting for winners’ prize money to increase so that it can win all Cups. – State House
*****
They get their money fairly and they pay taxes. They don’t just wake up with US$3 million cash. – Eddy Mushoriwa
*****
They have a lot of charity work on their shoulders and we must thank them for the sterling work they have done over the years to sustain the league, US$100,000 may look paltry but it is because the value of the US dollar is a joke in our country. – Albert Manyerere
*****
First, we must secure funding for all the teams getting promotion to the PSL, get a sponsor to pay match officials, give ZIFA money to give all the teams for participation in the league every season for sustainability, secure proper football stadiums. After that we can talk about increasing money, as it stands we all know that, that money will be going back to the same team as long there’s no stability funding for all the teams, referees aren’t supposed to be paid by clubs. – Mabhena M Sindiso
*****
US$3 million to pay clubs dzisina kana 1 player who can dribble 3 players not by mistake butt with dribbling skills. – Mtabisi Mupfeni
*****
Hatidaro honourable, with all due respect. – Tafara Hussein Matenga
*****
We need more sponsors for the game. – Temba Matingo
*****
US$3 million dollars? As in 50 million rand? Does your league generate enough value for any company to invest that much? – CollyMo Wanova Kind
*****
These guys should have first improved the league and put a strong hand in improving the infrastructure currently available. – Alwyn Mutsotso
*****
Partnership in terms of sponsorship is the only way to go. – Kiva Kelvin Jakachira
*****
I blame the PSL chairman. What effort is he doing to look for sponsors? Chaagona kucharger more money kumafans kuti vaone bhora but he can’t approach ana Sakunda kuti vasponse our league. Castle Cup must be a knockout Cup kana vasina mari. – Joshua Nyaradzo Gororo
*****
The quality of football doesn’t warrant a US$3m winning package. – Ba Milan
*****
They should regulate the players’ salary and bonuses than raising the money the club will get when the win, at least, like saying US$10,000 a month minimum wage for players coz mari inozongoperera ku execative maplayers achifamva netsoka vachibhema nyaupe coz havana mari yekutenga doro riri enough…most of the players vanotorova krango vachiita kunge vasingatotambire DeMbare. – Rabi Zombec Gwede
*****
Mmmmm madzamhisa pfungwa apa. Let’s start by upgrading the stadiums. We don’t have even one stadium in our country. – Godknows Munyapwa
*****
Meaning we have to drink more than 35litres of Castle Lager a day. – Nyasha Chemhuru
*****
Castle came in because there was no sponsor and that’s what they can afford to sponsor. – Dingindaba Ndlove
*****
US$3 million playing in pool grounds, be serious. – Martin Jackson
*****
That is his wish, it’s allowed, but we have to look into how such kind of monies will be generated. – Tafadzwa Gerald Musoki
*****
Let BetterBrands sponsor the league. – Lisbon Maponga Nemhara !
*****
League prize money haisiriyo inoita kuti ma winners e league vaite zvirinani. It’s the marketing strategy ye club, sponsorship deals and many other initiatives that market the brand name, now it’s making sense when it has dawned to others kuti bhora redu harina value inosimudza ma teams. – Johannes Muungani
Delta have done more than enough. Yes,an increase in the prize money is welcome but ZIFA should also contribute and PSL shouls look for more sponsors. — Donald Nyakudya
*****
DeMbare waiting for winners’ prize money to increase so that it can win all Cups. — State House
*****
They get their money fairly and they pay taxes. They don’t just wake up with US$3 million cash. — Eddy Mushoriwa
*****
They have a lot of charity work on their shoulders and we must thank them for the sterling work they have done over the years to sustain the league, US$100,000 may look paltry but it is because the value of the US dollar is a joke in our country. — Albert Manyerere
*****
First, we must secure funding for all the teams getting promotion to the PSL, get a sponsor to pay match officials, give ZIFA money to give all the teams for participation in the league every season for sustainability, secure proper football stadiums. After that we can talk about increasing money, as it stands we all know that, that money will be going back to the same team as long there’s no stability funding for all the teams, referees aren’t supposed to be paid by clubs. — Mabhena M Sindiso
*****
US$3 million to pay clubs dzisina kana 1 player who can dribble 3 players not by mistake butt with dribbling skills. — Mtabisi Mupfeni
*****
Hatidaro honourable, with all due respect. — Tafara Hussein Matenga
*****
We need more sponsors for the game. — Temba Matingo
*****
US$3 million dollars? As in 50 million rand? Does your league generate enough value for any company to invest that much? — CollyMo Wanova Kind
*****
These guys should have first improved the league and put a strong hand in improving the infrastructure currently available. — Alwyn Mutsotso
*****
Partnership in terms of sponsorship is the only way to go. — Kiva Kelvin Jakachira
*****
I blame the PSL chairman. What effort is he doing to look for sponsors? Chaagona kucharger more money kumafans kuti vaone bhora but he can’t approach ana Sakunda kuti vasponse our league. Castle Cup must be a knockout Cup kana vasina mari. — Joshua Nyaradzo Gororo
*****
The quality of football doesn’t warrant a US$3m winning package. — Ba Milan
*****
They should regulate the players’ salary and bonuses than raising the money the club will get when the win, at least, like saying US$10,000 a month minimum wage for players coz mari inozongoperera ku execative maplayers achifamva netsoka vachibhema nyaupe coz havana mari yekutenga doro riri enough . . . most of the players vanotorova krango vachiita kunge vasingatotambire DeMbare. — Rabi Zombec Gwede
