Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR Zebra Revolution, the weekend brought relief both on-and-off the field. On Saturday, the Bulawayo-based club received a timely morale boost when Bard Santner Markets Incorporated donated a full set of tracksuits to the team — signalling the beginning of what could become a lasting partnership.
The financial firm, represented by Bulawayo Branch Administrator Nyaradzo Rwafa, said the gesture formed part of its broader commitment to uplifting young people through sport and community initiatives.
“We want to promote the lives of young people, support them in staying focused, and help enrich their lives,” said Rwafa.
“Zebra Revolution has a great programme. They start with kids as young as eight and expose them to greater opportunities to achieve something in life. This is the kind of initiative we are proud to support.”
Coach Mkhokheli Dube welcomed the donation, describing it as a morale booster for his players at a critical time.
“This is a timely boost for our boys, who really needed it,” said Dube. “We hope Bard Santner will come on board as our official sponsor next year. A special mention to our chairman for pulling out all the stops to secure this donation.”
The team captain echoed the gratitude, saying the gesture would inspire the players to raise their performance levels.
“This kind of support motivates us to give a 100 percent performance on the field,” he said. “On behalf of the players, I would like to thank Bard Santner and express our hope that they will become our sponsors next year.”
However, the day did not end in celebration on the pitch. Zebra Revolution suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Imbizo at Luveve Stadium — a result that leaves them 15th on the table and in danger of relegation.
Yet, their fate may still take a positive turn. A proposal to expand the Southern Region Soccer League (SRSL) from 18 to 20 teams will be tabled at the upcoming Annual General Meeting — a move that could spare both Zebra and Nust FC from the drop.
“We will be relegating the bottom four teams. We may have a challenge if one of our Premier League clubs comes down here.
“There are one or two things we wish to bring to the table at the AGM, including increasing the total number of teams to 20 next year,” said SRSL chairman Lloyd Munhanga.
For Zebra Revolution, that discussion could mean survival — and, coupled with new corporate backing, a chance to rebuild stronger next season.
