Massive sponsorship deal for ZIFA
knock-out cup

By Tichaona Sibanda
27 September 2006

The biggest ever sponsorship deal in Zimbabwe’s football history was unveiled in Harare on Wednesday when the Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe announced it would sponsor ZIFA’s knock-out cup to the tune of Z$200 million.

ZIFA’s liasion officer for the national under-23 squad Charles Dzvairo confirmed the massive sponsorship deal saying the knock out cup will roar into life this weekend with 32 teams taking part.

Sports analyst Natty Zvimba said the cash injection by CBZ was a welcome relief for football in the country after the Premier Soccer League lost in the past two seasons, sponsorship for the Madison Trophy, the BP League Cup, and the OK Woza Bhora Trophy.

The PSL also suffered a major blow following the pull out by league sponsors, Econet Wireless, in a row with Caps United who had a kit sponsorship deal with Econet's main rivals, Net One.

The richest ever soccer tournament to be known as the CBZ Cup was launched at a glittering ceremony at the fabulous Meikles hotel. CBZ chief executive officer Nyasha Makuvise told guests his bank had signed a five-year deal with the Zimbabwe Football Association.

‘Our aim is to support football until the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and beyond. We will continue to support soccer as part of our social responsibility. Soccer is vital in that it unites people regardless of their
status in society,’ said Makuvise.

Wellington ‘Shumba’ Nyatanga, the ZIFA chairman said he could not find words to thank CBZ Holdings.

‘This is not a mean sponsorship deal and I’m humbled with this gesture. I can’t find words to appropriately pay my tribute to CBZ Holdings because this a big deal taking into consideration the prevailing economic
hardships,’ he said.

Former cup kings and the country’s reigning Premeir Soccer League champions Caps United were pitted against Northern Region Division One pacesetters Lengthens in a draw conducted by Makuvise.

Army side, Black Rhinos were not lucky either during the draw when they were paired against Eastern Region leaders Kiglon. In another tricky draw Southern Region Division summit holders Njube Sundowns will host Lancashire Steel in a match, which can go either way.

Another PSL side who have a mammoth task in their hands are Hwange who face ZimAlloys. But Premiership leaders Highlanders seem to have a light work against Ziscosteel while Dynamos have a vexing fixture against high-flying Harare United who are perched on third position in the Northern Region Division league.

The Cup will be played on a regional basis until the semi-final. Winners of the rich tournament will pocket Z$30 million while the runners-up will walk away with $10 million. In the event that a team incurs a deficit during the
tournament, CBZ have pledged to help.

First Round Fitxtures

Saturday: Chrome Stars V Railstars (Mbizo), Black Rhinos V Kiglon (Gwanzura), Gunners V Monomotapa (Rufaro), Jest V Mwana Africa (Trojan), Motor Action V Eastern Lions (Callies), Douglas Warriors V Shooting Stars (Rudhaka), Lengthens V CAPS United (NSS)

Sunday: Hwange V Zim Alloys (Colliery), Shabanie Mine V Gaths Mine (Maglas), Masvingo United V Triangle (Mucheke), Highlanders V Ziscosteel (Barbourfields), Sundowns V Lancashire (Jaunda) Chapungu V Underhill (Ascot), Border Strikers V Zimbabwe Saints
(Dulibadzimu), Buymore V Blue Jets (Gwanzura), Dynamos
V Harare United (Rufaro)