WIN-WIN DEAL FOR MWOS, ZPC HWANGE

Langton Nyakwenda

Zimpapers Sports Hub

MOWS FC have committed themselves to funding football development in Hwange, the hometown of Warriors skipper Marvelous Nakamba, after entering a landmark partnership with ZPC Hwange which will see the Punters playing in the domestic Premiership.

Zimpapers Sports Hub understands that the partnership will result in a cash injection of between US$100 000 and US$140 000 into Hwange, which will include the PSL franchise swap, with MWOS also funding infrastructure development at the Colliery.

This will include renovations of ZPC Hwange’s stadium, sponsorship of the club’s kits when it plays in Division One this year, bankrolling the youth development programmes in the area and payment of winning bonuses for the Colliery side.

ZPC Hwange players, who are good enough to play in the Premiership, will be drafted into the MWOS side while the Norton side will also hold a pre-season camp, which will also act as a talent identification programme, at the Colliery.

There will also be an investment into key areas like the schools in Hwange.

ZPC Hwange had wanted MWOS to play their home matches at the Colliery but the town’s only stadium, fit to host the Premiership, was only given a clearance to do so for one year, pending some renovations.

Those renovations haven’t been carried out.MWOS first approached Hwange, who were relegated from the Premiership last season, but the two parties could not strike a deal.

In a joint statement signed by MWOS chairman Clayton Arimoso and ZPC Hwange secretary Mehuli Thebe, the new partners said the development would reshape football development across Zimbabwe.

“MWOS FC and ZPC Hwange FC are pleased to advise all stakeholders that they have entered into a landmark partnership that will reshape football development across Zimbabwe.

“Through this innovative arrangement, MWOS FC will advance to the Premier Soccer League for the 2025 season while ZPC Hwange focuses on grassroots football development in the Southern Region.

“The partnership represents a new model for football development in Zimbabwe, which combines MWOS FC’s resources and technical expertise with ZPC Hwange competencies and strong community roots, thereby creating opportunities that benefit both clubs and Zimbabwean football as a whole.

“The collaboration will allow ZPC Hwange FC to nurture grassroots football in the Hwange region, thereby grooming talent for the Premier Soccer League.

“This partnership also includes financial capacitation of ZPC Hwange FC to compete in the region, a special recognition programme for ZPC Hwange FC’s successful 2024 squad, and investment in youth football development programmes.”