adminSenior Sports Reporter
ZIFA have allayed fears that Poland-based defender Costa Nhamoinesu’s head sweatband with a Nike logo could bring the national association into collision with their technical sponsors Joma.
The former AmaZulu and Masvingo United strongman wore the head gear during the Warriors’ African Cup of Nations Group L qualifier against Guinea at Rufaro Stadium that ended in a share of the spoils.
“Head gear and soccer boots are not part of the package. The deal is for clothing regalia and as you know some of these players have personal endorsements with some corporates,” said Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela.
There were fears that the Spain-based Joma’s contract could have been breached by the big defender, who plays for Sparta Praha in Poland. Corporate wars are usually messy as was the case in the high profile fall out between former Brazilian star Ronaldinho and soft drink giant Coca-Cola in 2012.
Ronaldinho, who had a $750,000 a year sponsorship deal with Coca-Cola, saw the deal being abruptly terminated after the two-time Fifa World Player of the Year appeared at a Press conference with two cans of Pepsi, who are fierce Coca-Cola competitors.
Ronaldinho reportedly took a sip from one of the cans during the question and answer session for his new club Atletico Mineiro, which was being sponsored by Pepsi.
Meanwhile, Gwesela yesterday refused to comment on the failure by Zifa president Cuthbert Dube to attend the senior national team’s match against Guinea.
Dube, who has never attended the Warriors’ matches since coming into office in March 2010 save for the high profile friendly match against Brazil in June of the same year, has now missed a record 48 national team games.
No reasons have been given for his strange decision not to attend his association’s flagship team’s matches.
“I’ll not comment on that,” said Gwesela, when quizzed why his boss continues to snub national team games.
Online Reporter