adminLeague champions Dynamos, who also won the Mbada Diamonds Cup and FC Platinum, have been registered for the Champions’ League while Mbada Diamonds Cup losing finalists Motor Action and fourth-placed Hwange will be competing in the Confederation Cup.
“We registered four clubs — Dynamos, FC Platinum, Motor Action and Hwange for the Champions League and Confederation Cup respectively and as Zifa we will assist these clubs in terms of resources because it’s an expensive undertaking out there,” said Mashingaidze.
The Zifa chief was, however, evasive when asked about the team to be sponsored by Mbada Diamonds now that the winners of their cup, Dynamos, opted to play in the Champions League.
However, Motor Action owner Eric Rosen said the issue was not for discussion as the agreement between the league and Mbada Diamonds was very specific.
“It is simple, Mbada Diamonds said they will sponsor the team that participates in the Confederation Cup and since we lost in that final and Dynamos chose the Champions’ League, the $150 000 sponsorship package has to come to us and this is the reason why we are in the competition,” said Rosen, who is also the Premier Soccer League board member marketing.
He said having been there last year when they competed in the Champions League, they were fully aware of the costs involved and as such his club had registered to compete because of the Mbada Diamonds sponsorship.
Rosen’s portfolio as board member marketing involves among others duties, negotiating with sponsors regarding their packages.
He said since they had already registered for the competition, their technical team was busy identifying players to beef up their squad.
“We have already targeted those players whom we want but at the moment I can not name them as negotiations are still underway,” said Rosen.
Meanwhile, coalminers Hwange are understood to be in the hunt for five players to beef up their squad ahead of the African Safari.
Chipangano, who had said they will name their squad last week, are said to be interested in three strikers and two midfielders.
The club was reportedly interested in out-of-contract Highlanders goalkeeper Lovemore Makwavarara but the executive urged the technical team to look for a younger goalkeeper since they already have young Petros Mhari and veteran Timothy Sibanda.
Online Reporter