Energy giants Sakunda Holdings have breathed life into struggling Zimbabwe football clubs, Dynamos and Highlanders, with a multi-million sponsorship deal which will last at least three years.
The two Premier Soccer League club received US$ 5,3 million which will be used until 2023.
The developments comes at a time when both DeMbare and Bosso have struggled with their finances due to football inactivity in the country caused by the COVID-19 Induced lockdown.
Highlanders were worst affected after NetOne pulled out as their main sponsor in January this year. The club then went on for the next eight months without any major financial support, leading to continuous player strikes.
Some players in their squad like captain Ariel Sibanda and his deputy, Nqobizitha Masuku, tried to push for an exit in search of greener pastures elsewhere, but the club refused to release them.
The situation only eased this month when internet service providers Utande came on board on a short term deal until January next year.
In his acceptance speech, Dynamos chairperson Isaiah Mupfurutsa said the gesture from the energy giants Sakunda Holdings will transform the Harare giants fortunes.
“May I take this opportunity to give full assurance to Sakunda Holdings that this new-found business relationship between Sakunda Holdings and Dynamos will stand the test of time and at no time will the club disappoint Sakunda Holdings. We look forward to rekindling the fairy tale days of the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s and we shall be unleashing our team on our local football landscape in our bid to reclaim giant status of olden days,” said Mupfurutsa
Highlanders Chairman Johnfat Sibanda believes the sponsorship will grow sport and the economy.
“It is a clear intern and desire to grow sport and subsequently grow the country’s economy,” Sibanda said.
Kirsty Coventry, the Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts And Recreation said she was pleased as the deal will benefit players
“I am happy with how this deal puts players first and this sponsorship will change lives. It’s not just a salary,” said Coventry
The two club captains and coaches received brand new vehicles – a brand new Ford Ranger double-cab and a Ford Everest – courtesy of Sakunda Holdings.
