Chronicle Editor
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwean flag will be flown high Benito Villamarin Stadium this evening when Real Betis clash with Barcelona in a Spanish La Liga fixture.
Many could be wondering what the Zimbabwean flag could be doing in this clash of Spanish teams since both do not have any Zimbabwean player in their books. Real Betis last year partnered with Zimbabwean Athletes Sphere Management to establish their first ever academy on the African continent, in Zimbabwe, which was officially launched in October last year.
Because of that partnership, ASM will have presence in the big clash which will be televised live to millions across the world, with Zimbabweans able to watch the match on SuperSport. Gerald Sibanda, the Real Betis Academy Zimbabwe president and chief executive officer is excited to get exposure at such a big stage to market Zimbabwe to a global audience.
“Athletes Sphere Management will be flying our nation’s flag high in stadium billboards when Real Betis play Barcelona.
We will be having brand presence in stadium broadcast and LED billboards for the big La Liga game which will be live on SuperSport,’’ Sibanda said.
What excites Sibanda, a former Zimbabwe rugby international player is that one of the world’s best players, Lionel Messi will be part of the match.
“Being afforded that space to actually market brand Zimbabwe, market our sports management company on the big stag, seeing the likes of Lionel Messi also being involved in the big match, I am very excited for what’s coming, not just for ASM, not just for Betis Academy Zimbabwe but obviously our very own beautiful country that finally we have something to smile about,’’ he said.
ASM will get yet another opportunity to market their brand as well as Zimbabwe when Real Betis take on title chasing Atletico Madrid on 11 April. Heading into this weekend’s matches, Barcelona were second 40 points, 10 behind log leaders Atletico Madrid. Real Betis were further down in seventh position with 30 points. −@Mdawini_29
Online Reporter